Ilex plant--Meschick variety

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Ilex which originated as a cross-pollination of Ilex aquifolium and Ilex pernyi is provided. The new variety is a quick grower, possesses jagged deep green foliage, produces scarlet berries, exhibits a compact and acutely pyramidal growth habit and good tolerance to cold and heat, and is outstanding for growing as an accent plant.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of Ilex, substantially as herein shown and described, characterized particularly as to novelty by the unique combination of: (a) a vigorous, dense and attractive upright pyramidal evergreen shrub,   (b) dull, scarlet fruit which is produced in good quantity in the spring and which attains its full scarlet coloration in mid to late fall, lasting on the bush into late winter or early spring of the following year,   (c) cold tolerance which is superior to varieties of Ilex aquifolium and equal to, if not superior to varieties of Ilex pernyi as evidenced by the fact that the new variety has survived with little to no visible damage temperatures of -15° F. with winds of over 30 miles per hour,   (d) foliage which is primarily ovate-quadrangular in shape and less glossy in appearance than that of Ilex aquifolium and which is smaller and much more jagged than such species, and which is approximately 50 percent larger and more jagged than that of Ilex pernyi, and   (e) a striking plant growth habit which is characterized by forming a symmetrical narrow pyramid to a much greater degree than either of its parents and other seedlings of this cross.