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CASTLE SPIRE®

Holly - Blue

Ilex x meserveae

'Hachfee'

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Pyramidal Castle Spire blue holly covered in a dusting of snow Tall and pyramidal Castle Spire blue holly in evergreen planting Specimen of Castle Spire blue holly planted next to residential porch Close up of Castle Spire blue holly's red fruit and snow covered evergreen foliage Dark leafed Castle Spire blue holly planted in front of yellow variegated tree
  • Evergreen
  • Versatile habit
  • Hardy
Description

The Castle™ series brings compact, pyramidal forms to the world of blue holly. Their dark glossy leaves, superior vigor and branching make them an improvement over other older varieties. Narrow form makes them great for hedges, foundation plantings, or even as a dramatic specimen. The lustrous green foliage provides season long interest. Castle Spire® is a female variety with a strongly narrow, pyramidal habit. Sets abundant fruit when pollinated by Castle Wall® holly.

USDA Zone
5 - 7 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
8 - 10'
Width
3 - 5'
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.

  • Spec Sheet: Castle Spire® Ilex Spec Sheet
  • Benchcard: Castle Spire® Ilex Benchcard
  • Tag: Castle Spire® Ilex Tag
  • Grower Sheet: Castle Spire® Ilex Grower Sheet

    • Features: Evergreen, Winter interest, Attracts pollinators, Clay soil

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Blue, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Evergreen, Winter interest, Attracts pollinators, Clay soil

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Blue, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage