Managing Root Suckers on ‘Carissa’ Holly

If you’ve noticed vigorous shoots with spiny, Chinese holly–like leaves emerging from the base of your ‘Carissa’ holly, you’re seeing a classic reversion. ‘Carissa’ originated as a sport—a chance mutation—of the thorny Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta). Those root suckers have simply reverted to the parent’s genetics.

To stop them, cut each sucker as close to the root as possible, then treat the cut stub with a commercial sucker stopper (such as Sucker Stopper from Cooper Seeds). This prevents regrowth without harming the main plant. Regular monitoring and prompt removal will keep your ‘Carissa’ looking neat and true to form.