Blue Holly Castle Spire
Ilex x meserveae 'Castle Spire'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
96 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Garden Origin
Toxicity
Berries are mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
A female blue holly cultivar, 'Castle Spire' is a dense, upright, narrow pyramidal evergreen shrub. It features glossy, dark green, spiny leaves and produces inconspicuous white spring flowers. If pollinated by a male cultivar (like 'Castle Wall'), it yields abundant bright red berries in fall and winter. This cultivar is distinguished by its tall, narrow form, making it ideal for narrow hedges or screens, and its excellent winter foliage color retention.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a partially shaded site with well-drained soil.
- Tuck in roots 2 inches deep, ensuring good soil contact.
- Mist cuttings or young plants regularly to maintain moisture.
- Water deeply once a week during first growing season.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Trim to shape after planting for best form.
Pro Tip
Plant in fall for best establishment and winter interest.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water during dry spells 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering
- Mulch annually to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering ❌
- Don’t prune in late summer
- Skip fertilizing in winter
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blue Holly Castle Spire questions
What zones can Blue Holly Castle Spire grow in?
Blue Holly Castle Spire is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Blue Holly Castle Spire deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Blue Holly Castle Spire, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Blue Holly Castle Spire bloom?
Blue Holly Castle Spire typically blooms in spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blue Holly Castle Spire need full sun?
Blue Holly Castle Spire does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Ilex to compare
Gem Box Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'Gem Box'
Sky Pencil Holly
Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
Dwarf Pagoda Holly
Ilex crenata 'Dwarf Pagoda'
Mr Poppins Holly
Ilex x meserveae 'Mr Poppins'
Blue Holly Berry Poppins
Ilex x meserveae 'Berry Poppins'
Blue Prince Holly Blue Princess Holly
Ilex x meservae 'Blue Prince Princess'
Keep exploring
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Grow Blue Holly Castle Spire with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
