shrub

Red Beauty Holly

Ilex 'Rutzan'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hybrid hollies are bred to combine desirable traits like cold hardiness, foliage quality, and berry production. They are broadleaf evergreens that provide essential structure and winter interest in the landscape.

Red Beauty ('Rutzan') is a female holly noted for its dense, upright pyramidal shape and glossy, dark green leaves. It produces an exceptionally heavy crop of bright red berries without needing a separate male pollinator nearby.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a strong, formal, evergreen presence in the landscape. Its main ornamental feature is the stunning contrast between its glossy, dark green leaves and the profusion of bright red berries that persist through winter.

Its dense, upright growth makes it an excellent choice for a formal hedge or privacy screen that doesn't get overly wide. The berried branches are a classic element in holiday floral arrangements and decorations.

The berries are a valuable winter food source for many bird species, including robins, cedar waxwings, and mockingbirds. The dense evergreen foliage also provides important shelter and nesting sites.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Hybrid Origin

Toxicity

Berries are toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with at least 4-6 hours of sun and acidic soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
Gently tease out any circling roots before placing in the hole.
Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill with soil, and water deeply to eliminate air pockets.
Mulch with 2-3 inches of pine straw or bark to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant in acidic soil for the best foliage color and overall health. Amend with peat moss or compost if your soil is alkaline.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods, especially in the first few years.
Use an acid-based fertilizer if leaves appear yellow with green veins (chlorosis).
Prune to maintain its natural pyramidal shape.
Cut berried branches in winter for holiday decorations.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or poorly drained soils.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which reduces berry production.
Don't let the soil dry out completely, especially before winter.
Avoid heavy shearing that removes all the flowering wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning winter interest specimenFormal evergreen privacy screenElegant foundation planting for height

Companion Plants

Rhododendron catawbiense Pieris japonica Helleborus orientalis Fothergilla gardenii Acer palmatum 'Bloodgood'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Red Beauty Holly questions

What zones can Red Beauty Holly grow in?

Red Beauty Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Red Beauty Holly deer resistant?

Yes — Red Beauty Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Red Beauty Holly bloom?

Red Beauty Holly typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Red Beauty Holly need full sun?

Red Beauty Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.