Ilex hybrid variety named Xia Yen

Abstract

Xia Yen is a distinctive new evergreen holly distinguished from all other forms of Ilex known to me in that it combines a unique combination of desirable landscape and production traits from Ilex opaca and Ilex cassine. Plants have distinctive lustrous leaves, produce an erect narrow symmetrical crown without extensive shearing, and have the environmental tolerances of the Ilex opaca parent. Xia Yen is being marketed bearing the Dixie Star Holly trademark.

1. A new and distinct variety of  Ilex×attenuata  plant named ‘Xia Yen’, as illustrated and described particularly as to the unique combination of:
 (a) annual abundant crops of fruit maturing to vibrant red in early fall then persisting until spring,  
 (b) evergreen, fine textured leaves which retain lustrous green coloration even when plant is heavily berried,  
 (c) produces an erect narrow symmetrical pyramidal crown without extensive shearing,  
 (d) environmental tolerance equivalent to  I. opaca .