The superb (and spineless) Ilex ‘Cherry Bomb’ is looking amazing in the garden this week. Our specimen is now 22 years old, and measures 35′ tall x 15′ wide. It originated at the US National Arboretum as part of Dr. William Kosar’s breeding program, and is a 1959/1960 seedling from Ilex ‘Nellie R. Stevens’, most likely a hybrid with the spineless Ilex integra.
It was sent around to different growers for evaluation trials under a code #, and was later determined to not have enough value for northern US growers, so a destruction notice was sent by the National Arboretum.
Like some characters in the slasher flicks, it wasn’t completely destroyed, as propagations from the holly managed, quite improperly, to make its way to the deep south, where growers found it quite extraordinary, and in the 1980s, it was given the name Ilex ‘Cherry Bomb’ by Dr. Dave Creech of Steven F. Austin University. This wonderful plant is now a staple in the Southern nursery industry.
Do you know where I can buy a Ilex ‘Cherry Bomb’ ? I had one but I think it was in to much shade and the soil is very well drained.
We don’t currently seen any on-line sources, but keep looking since it pops up from time to time.
I purchased a 1gal Ilex Cherry Bomb from Woodlanders Nursery (mailorder) last year.
Dr. Dave Creech is still at the Steven F. Austin University, overseeing gardens.
YouTube channel @HortTubr with Jim Putnam had Dr. Creech recently — he discusses how this plant came to be & become popular in a video of Jim’s, April 1, 2026, “Texas Garden Tour with Humor & Horticulture – Dr. David Creech”. 26:03 (starts talking about the plant a couple minutes before that time stamp.)
— below are some sources per the internet … Contact Dr. Creech if you want — he might know, too. Good man.
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Online Retailers & Nurseries:
Sooner Plant Farm:
Offers 3-gallon containers.
B.B. Barns:
Often lists 7-gallon options.
Moon Valley Nurseries: Features mature options.
Greenleaf Nursery:
A wholesale grower.
shop.bbbarns.com
It is highly recommended to buy a male pollinator (such as Jim Dandy) to ensure the best berry production, as Cherry Bomb is female.