Rutgers Spartan Holly

Invention Summary:

Spartan is a new and distinct variety of evergreen holly distinguished in that it combines from three species (Ilex rugosa, Ilex integra, and Ilex pernyi), and has desirable landscape and production traits which distinguish it from all other forms of Ilex. Plants typically attain a size to 2.13 m in height and 1.37 m in width in 10 years under conditions of minimal fertilization and supplemental irrigation. Under more optimal conditions, more vigorous growth (approximately 20 to 25 centimeters per year) can be achieved. A plant in the mature phase (flowering) can be achieved in one year from a rooted cutting taken from a plant in the mature phase. In a landscape setting, the growth habit can be described as dense, self-compacting, and conical. The plants can be used as foundation plants, hedge plants, and as single specimen plants since they are easy to maintain at a desired height, are evergreen with red fruit, and are not plagued by insect pests or disease organisms.

Market Applications:

• Foundation plants
• Hedge plants
• Single specimen plants

Advantages:

Spartan has a unique combination of characteristics:

• Nearly conical shape with minimal pruning
• Moderately vigorous, dense and self-compacting
• Easy to maintain at desired height
• Leaves are consumer friendly (no spines)
• Abundant and well-distributed fruit
• Low susceptibility to disease and insect pests

Intellectual Property & Development Status:

U.S. Plant Patent #20,804