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Ilex, Blue Holly, Meserve Holly, Meserve Hybrid Holly 'China Boy'

Ilex

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Family

Aquifoliaceae (a-kwee-foh-lee-AY-see-ee)

Info

Genus

Ilex (EYE-leks)

Info

Synonym

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage

Grown for foliage

Evergreen

Provides Winter Interest

Textured

Height

12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)

Spacing

4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Hardiness

USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)

USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)

USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)

USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)

USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)

USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)

USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)

USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)

USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)

USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)

USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)

USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)

Danger

Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction

Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color

White/Near White

Inconspicuous/none

Bloom Time

Mid Spring

Other Details

Gardener's Notes:

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positives

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negative

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ginkgo101

Grand Rapids, MI | March 2018 | negative

All other holly types do not duffer from rabbit damage (in my yard); however, China Boy (and China Girl) suffer extensively each year.

claypa

West Pottsgrove, PA (Zone 6b) | December 2006 | positive

This cross of Ilex cornuta and I. rugosa was selected by Kathleen Meserve of St. James, Long Island, New York.
...Read More

winging

Cincinnati, OH (Zone 6a) | August 2006 | positive

This does well as a foundation plant and requires little maintenance. It does not produce berries but is needed to pollinate China Girl.

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