Ilex × meserveae ‘Mesog’
SIZE: 10’ tall by 10’ wide
HARDINESS: zones 4 to 9
LIGHT: partial to full sun
SHAPE: dense, rounded form
RATE: moderate
FLOWERS: small, white, bloom in spring
OTHER FEATURES:
Abundant, striking red fruits (1/3” in diameter)
Attracts birds
Evergreen
Excellent heat tolerance
Very few insect problems
POSSIBLE LANDSCAPE USES:
Woodland edge garden
Pruned for a formal garden
Hedge
Shrub border
Screen for reflective glare
See Tips for Designing your home landscape.
PRUNING:
Prune in late winter.
Avoid continual shearing on older shrubs; this creates a dense outer layer of foliage that shades and kills inner foliage. Prune selected branches by hand to allow some light penetration.
Can be pruned back to 12” from the ground to rejuvenate an old, declining plant (???)
Learn more about Basic Pruning Principles.
COMPANION PLANTS:
Male holly such as China Boy® is needed for pollination and fruit production.
For a woodland edge garden: rhododendron, dogwood, ox-eye daisy, wood anemone
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
China Girl® is a female plant and requires male holly in proximity for pollination and fruit production.
Berries are mildly toxic to humans if consumed.
Water regularly during the first year to establish a healthy root system.