Holly (Ilex ‘Mesdob’ CHINA BOY)

Holly

Features and Characteristics

Ilex is a genus of over 400 species of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and climbers from tropical, subtropical and temperate regions. Many are grown for their attractive, evergreen foliage.

Genus name comes from the Latin name Quercus ilex for holm oak in reference to the foliage similarities (holm oak and many of the shrubs in the genus Ilex have evergreen leaves).

CHINA BOY is a dense, upright evergreen holly which matures over many years to 7-10′ tall by 5-8′ wide. Often seen growing much shorter however. Obovate, glossy, dark green leaves have spiny-toothed margins. Tiny, whitish flowers appear in spring and are relatively inconspicuous.

Care and Maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture soil in full sun to part shade. Adaptable to both light and heavy soils, but prefers moist, acidic, organic soils with good drainage. A dioecious shrub: CHINA BOY is a male plant and CHINA GIRL is a companion female plant. Usually plant mostly CHINA GIRL, because only the females produce the attractive red berries which are so conspicuous in fall and winter. A planting needs at least one CHINA BOY within 400′ as a pollinator for up to 9-10 CHINA GIRL plants. Prune to shape in early spring just before new growth begins. Good winter hardiness.

Holly (Ilex ‘Mesdob’ CHINA BOY) Requirements

Hardiness zone	5 - 9
Sun light	Full sun to part shade
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low

Common Problems

Potential insect problems include holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly and scale. Potential disease problems include leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot and powdery mildew. Plants are also susceptible to leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils).

Uses

This male plant is primarily used as a pollinator for the showier female plants, but is itself an excellent, fast-growing specimen plant. Male and females together have year-round interest and are excellent for foundation plantings, hedges, shrub borders or accents.

Holly (Ilex ‘Mesdob’ CHINA BOY) Details

Common name	Holly
Botanical name	Ilex 'Mesdob' CHINA BOY
Plant type	Broadleaf evergreen
Family	Aquifoliaceae
Hardiness zone	5 - 9
Water	Medium
Maintenance	Low
Flower color	White
Flowering period	April - May
Height	7 - 10 ft.
Width	5 - 8 ft.