Meet the Breeder
Tim Wood
Grand Haven, MI, USA
CASTLE KEEP™
Holly - Blue
Ilex x meserveae
'SMNIFA'
PPAF; CBRAF
- Evergreen
- Soft, dense foliage
- Hardy
Long a favorite during its evaluations, Castle Keep™ blue holly has the classic good looks of this handsome evergreen but with soft-to-the-touch deep green foliage. Semi-dwarf rounded habit makes it a versatile choice for landscape. This is a female variety that will develop red fruit if a male pollinator like Castle Wall™ holly is planted nearby.
USDA Zone 5 - 7 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure Full sun, Part sun
Height 3 - 5'
Width 3 - 4'
Finish Time 1 season
Type Evergreen
Bloom Time Spring
Flower Color White
Foliage Color Green
Liner Sizes 2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn
General Care
Soil Prefers moist, acidic soils. Shallow root system benefits from mulch.
Pruning Blooms on old wood; however, it's best to avoid pruning female hollies as pruning after bloom removes any developing fruit.
Uses Hedges; screens; specimen; landscaping.
Growing Tips Plant a male pollinator within 50' to ensure pollination; one male will pollinate up to 7 females. To minimize winter damage to the evergreen foliage, provide late-season irrigation if necessary and site so that plant is protected from harsh winds and sun.
Features: Clay soil, Compact, Cut flower, Evergreen, Foliage interest, New, Winter interest
Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Blue, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage
Features: Clay soil, Compact, Cut flower, Evergreen, Foliage interest, New, Winter interest
Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Blue, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage