Happy Holly Days
Ilex x meserveae ‘Castle Spire’
by
MaryAnn Fink
Conservation Specialist
copyright 2010
Castle Spire is a new variety of Ilex x meserveae. This “blue holly” is reported to have good vigor for the extremes of Missouri. Although she was selected especially for her tight dense growth and her narrow upright silhouette, it is her well developed branching that catches the eye. This is a notable improvement for this type of holly!
She has an above average shape formed by her dense branching. She looks natural and balanced as she showcases her bountiful dark foliage. Her forest green complexion accentuates the brightness of her cheery red berries.
It might be tempting to bring her home to be a “one and only” because she will surely slip into even some tight spots with ease. But, resist the urge and instead consider massing her in a staggered grouping. Strategically placed along with a few other “winter showy” performers, she could easily anchor a serene snow-scape. She is pretty enough to be the featured in a living art vignette that would provide the needed structure / “bones” for a year round bird sanctuary!
Her placement is critical for maximum enjoyment! Choose your most visible location for her to be framed by your favorite window. She is furniture rearrangement worthy! Plan for maximum viewing pleasure from a warm and comfy spot!
Care Factor Rating: 1 This naturally narrow compact upright holly must be watered regularly till established. She does not require pruning when given proper space. She appreciates a gentle hand for the only occasional / random shoot trimming! Pruning at any time might affect her berry production!
Bonus tip
Design Suggestion: Consider a beautiful set of triplets in a staggered grouping end-capped with a strong Colorado blue spruce. Like a red Christmas ribbon that weaves through the grouping lace them together with several Red Twig Dogwoods ‘Cardinal’. Back-dropped all of these “pretties” with ‘Red Sprite’ and one ‘Jim Dandy’ deciduous hollies. (Hide him mostly behind the Blue Spruce since he is not so showy!)
Trim out the front edge of this winter fantasy collection with a few evergreen perennials such as Christmas fern. Finally, add a pretty bird bath. For the most wildlife friendly and natural look, consider a year round water feature, such as a phantom fountain that runs all winter with a short bird friendly creek bed!
(Use CASTLE WALL™ somewhere in the landscape as the pollinator for ‘Castle Spire’)
A Few of My Favorite Things (Can you hear me humming tune from Sound of Music?)
Castle Spire Holly Ilex x meserveae (new to me favorite)
Cornus ‘Cardinal’ Red-Twig Dogwood ( Long Time Fav)
Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite’ and ‘Jim Dandy’ (Deciduous Holly) (So showy-so easy)
Colorado Blue Spruce. (Picea pungens) (Ahhh)
Bird bath / water feature ( a must for me: always make wildlfe gardening a habit (tat)
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