Ilex x meserveae 'Mesdob' and 'Mesog' or China Boy and China Girl Holly make for an excellent pair that is perfect for adding year-round interest, and winter seasonal cheer with their bright red berries. To achieve the hallmark red holly berries, a boy and a girl must be grown together. Plants share the same growth habit, so both can be used to create cold-hardy, low-maintenance hedges, accents, and potted plants.
The berries begin in the early fall with inconspicuous white flowers close to the stem, and through cross-pollination between the pair, red berries begin to emerge just in time for the winter season. Although the bright red berries are the seasonal treat for this species. Their evergreen, glossy, slightly upturned, sharply scalloped, leathery leaves add textural interest year-round and display beautifully in seasonal floral arrangements and decorations.
Care: When mature, plant in fertile, well-draining soil or potting media in full sun. Water as needed to maintain consistent soil moisture, but avoid overwatering. Feed a good quality, slow-release, general-purpose fertilizer with the initial planting and annually in spring thereafter. Prune in spring to control size and shape. Monitor in warm, humid weather for common plant issues and treat as needed.
Indoor Growing: Holly plants need the full spectrum of light for 8 to 10 hours daily and a period of chilling to produce flowers and berries, so they are not well-suited to grow as a year-round house plant. Growing outdoors and bringing plants or branches indoors for decorating is a better strategy.
Hollies are cold-tolerant and able to thrive across a wide range of climates. A period of modest chilling is necessary for optimum blooming and berry production. Cold Hardy. Recommended for USDA Zones 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Condition: Two (2) Well rooted, starter size plants growing and shipped in two 4 inch diameter plastic pots. Plants will be a minimum of about 6 to 8 inches tall and unlikely to have bloom, bud, or berry at the time of shipping.
*Limited Conditional Warranty: Warranty is limited to guaranteeing plants will arrive safely and in good and healthy condition, and is conditioned on Seller receiving prompt notice (within 24 hours of delivery) of any problem with the condition accompanied by photo validation. No other additional, extended or long term Warranty is expressed or implied.
- Brand: Emerald Goddess Gardens
- Common Name: China Boy and China Girl Holly
- Bloom Form: Inconspicuous Single
- Mature Size: 10 ft
- Fragrance: None
- Suggested Uses: Hedge, Boundary, Winter Holiday Color
- House Plant Adapative: Not recommended
- Country of Origin: USA
- Limited Conditional Warranty: Healthy Arrival
- Extended Long Term Warranty: None
- Manufacturer:Emerald Goddess Gardens
- Climate: Temperate
- Color: Red, White
- Special Features: Rigid Holly Leaves, Vibrant Red Berries, Easy to Grow
- Species: Ilex x meserveae \'Mesdob\' and \'Mesog\'
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Watering: Moderate
