Return to Plant Finder Add to My Order

Clicking the following controls will change the main image displayed above.

photo of Tim Wood

Meet the Breeder

Tim Wood
Grand Haven, MI, USA

CASTLE KEEP®

Holly - Blue

Ilex x meserveae

'SMNIFA'

PP#31,118

Swipe to View More
  • Evergreen
  • Soft, dense foliage
  • Hardy
Description

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

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.

  • Tag: Castle Keep® Ilex Tag
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week February 21, 2019: Castle Keep® Holly
  • Grower Sheet: Castle Keep® Ilex Grower Sheet
  • Spec Sheet: Castle Keep® Ilex Spec Sheet
  • Benchcard: Castle Keep® Ilex Benchcard

    • Features: Clay soil, Compact, Cut flower, Evergreen, Foliage interest, Winter interest, Attracts pollinators

    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, Winter interest, Attracts pollinators

    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