Species

Ilex x meserveaeBlue Holly

12 other cultivars

shrub

Castle Spire Holly

Ilex x meserveae 'Hachfee'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex x meserveae 'Hachfee', sold as CASTLE SPIRE, is a female blue holly cultivar known for its excellent cold hardiness and lustrous, dark green evergreen foliage. It is a female plant that produces berries.

This cultivar has a distinctively narrow, pyramidal growth habit, making it an exceptional choice for formal accents, tight spaces, or vertical elements in the landscape. It produces a profusion of large, bright red berries when pollinated.

Uses & Benefits:

Its tight, columnar form provides a strong vertical element, perfect for formal gardens, flanking doorways, or as a 'living fence'. The combination of glossy green leaves and brilliant red berries creates outstanding winter interest.

This holly's narrow footprint makes it an ideal privacy screen for smaller yards and narrow side-yards where a traditional hedge would be too wide. The spiny leaves also make it an effective deterrent barrier.

The bright red berries are a valuable food source for birds such as cedar waxwings, robins, and mockingbirds during the lean winter months. The dense evergreen foliage also provides shelter and nesting sites.

SpeciesIlex x meserveaeBlue Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7

Water

Medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun to part shade with acidic soil.
Ensure a male pollinator holly is planted within 50 feet.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Place the plant so the root flare is at or slightly above ground level.
Backfill with soil, water thoroughly to remove air pockets.
Mulch with 2-3 inches of pine straw or bark to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Plant a male pollinator, like CASTLE WALL ('Heckenstar'), nearby to ensure a spectacular display of red berries for fall and winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide acidic, well-drained soil.
Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods.
Ensure a male pollinator is nearby for berry production.
Mulch to protect the shallow root system.
Protect from harsh winter winds in colder zones.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline or waterlogged soil.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which reduces berry production.
Don't let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid shearing, which can ruin its natural pyramidal form.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Elegant vertical accent for entrywaysFormal evergreen hedge for narrow spacesStunning winter interest with red berries

Companion Plants

Ilex x meserveae 'Heckenstar' (CASTLE WALL)Buxus (Boxwood)Hydrangea macrophylla Helleborus (Lenten Rose)Heuchera

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Castle Spire Holly questions

What zones can Castle Spire Holly grow in?

Castle Spire Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 5–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Castle Spire Holly deer resistant?

Yes — Castle Spire Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Castle Spire Holly bloom?

Castle Spire Holly typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Castle Spire Holly need full sun?

Castle Spire Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.