'Carolina Cardinal' is a hybrid of winterberry ( Ilex verticillata ) and the finetooth holly ( Ilex serrata ) developed at JC Raulston Arboretum. 'Carolina Cardinal' is a compact deciduous shrub in the holly family (Aquifoliaceae) with beautiful dark brown bark and masses of crimson berries clustered along the branches. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, but full sun will encourage fruit on the female plants. Carolina Cardinal tolerates poor soil and prefers moist, acidic conditions. The Carolina Cardinal holly is a hardy, vigorous shrub with a low spreading habit that does well in full sun or partial shade and typically grows to about 4 feet high, but can be left to grow taller. New growth will start off purple but mature to green. Plant it in shrub borders, in groups or in a winter garden. Low-growing and full, it can accent winter landscapes with a vivid burst of showy, long-lasting, red fruits that provide a food source for birds in fall and winter months. The plant can be pruned to shape; however, keep in mind that next year's blossoms and fruit will appear on new growth. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: A hardy plant with few disease or insect issues. However, high-pH soils can cause chlorosis and leaf spot and powdery mildew can be a problem, although rarely disfiguring. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests. More information on Ilex .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.