Ilex X ‘Border Crossing’

This evergreen holly is likely a hybrid between Ilex opaca and Ilex rubra, and was originally collected by the late and great Lynn Lowrey in Durango, Mexico. The foliage is thick with small spines around the margins, with bright green new growth in early spring. Our grouping of clonal trees in the Garden were planted in 2017 but are only about 10 feet tall, so it is safe to assume that this is a slow growing but long-lived tree, likely maturing at between 30 and 50 feet on account of its parenthood. The bark is smooth and holds lichens nicely, making it a beautiful ornamental tree. Plant in full sun and in very well-draining soil.