Ilex hybrid variety named `Xia Xiang`

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of evergreen holly which is particularly distinguished in that it combines desirable landscape and production traits from two species, Ilex myrtifolia and Ilex opaca, which distinguish it from all other forms of Ilex. Plants have a densely branched compact pyramidal crown with fine textures deep green leaves. Pistillate flowers are borne abundantly on initial spring shoots giving a well distributed fruit set. Berries mature to a colorful red in the early fall then persist throughout the winter.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of Ilex plant, substantially as herein shown and described, characterized particularly as to novelty by the unique combination of: (a) a vigorous densely branched shrub with a symmetrical crown with only minimal shearing,   (b) compact, upright growth habit with strong apical dominance, adapted to a wide range of landscape applications,   (c) evergreen minutely spine tipped serrulate deep green leaves which are borne on branches that become pendulous when plants are not sheared,   (d) pistillate flowers borne abundantly on initial spring shoots giving a well distributed fruit set with berries maturing to a colorful red in the early fall then persisting throughout the winter,   (e) cold hardiness, heat and drought tolerance equivalent to Ilex opaca.