Scallywag Meserve Holly

Scallywag Meserve Holly (Ilex x meserveae 'Monnieves')

Scallywag Meserve Holly is a dense, rounded to upright male holly with shiny dark green leaves that take on purple burgundy tones in fall and winter. A robust sport of Little Rascal, it offers improved disease resistance and evergreen structure for foundations, borders, and low hedges.

Distinctive Features

Male selection does not produce berries but serves as a pollenizer for nearby female hollies. Compact, tighter branching than Little Rascal with seasonal foliage color shift that adds off season interest.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best density and color with at least half day sun.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; avoid waterlogged sites.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then deep water in extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7.
• Mature Size: About 2 to 3 ft tall and 2 to 3 ft wide, slightly taller with age.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Glossy foliage and burgundy winter tones create a compact year round accent.
• Foundation Planting: Rounded form fits entries, paths, and corners.
• Low Hedges: Clips cleanly for a tidy evergreen border.
• Mixed Borders: Dark foliage backs perennials and flowering shrubs.
• Pollination Partner: Provides pollen for fruit set on female Meserve hollies.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly the first season; provide deep, occasional soaks during summer drought.
• Pruning: Lightly shape in late winter or after spring flush to maintain a dense outline.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with an acid-forming, slow-release fertilizer if soil tests indicate need.
• Mulching: Maintain a 2 inch mulch ring to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch off stems.
• Notes: Male plant will not produce berries; site away from drying winter winds to protect foliage.

Why Choose Scallywag Meserve Holly?

• Compact Evergreen: Year round structure with a small footprint.
• Seasonal Color: Purple burgundy winter tones add off season interest.
• Disease Resistant: Improved vigor and reliability in landscapes.
• Easy to Shape: Dense branching responds well to light shearing.
• Pollenizer Value: Supports berry set on nearby female hollies.

Plant in sun to part shade with well drained, slightly acidic soil, water deeply in dry spells, and give a light late winter trim to keep the form tight and foliage glossy.