Castle Spire Meserve Holly

Castle Spire Meserve Holly (Ilex x meserveae 'Castle Spire')

Castle Spire Meserve Holly is a narrow, upright female holly with glossy, blue-green, spiny leaves and abundant bright red berries in fall to winter when a compatible male is nearby; its formal, columnar habit provides year-round structure for entries, hedges, and foundation plantings.

Distinctive Features

Dense, pyramidal form with lustrous evergreen foliage holds color through winter, while clusters of red berries add seasonal contrast and bird appeal when pollinated by a male such as 'Castle Wall' or 'Blue Prince'.

Growing Conditions

Provide sun to part shade, evenly moist, well-drained acidic soil, and protection from drying winter winds for best color and fruiting.

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best berry set with at least 4 to 6 hours of sun.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained, humus-rich, acidic soil; avoid waterlogged or highly alkaline sites.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment and in summer dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7.
• Mature Size: About 8 to 12 ft tall and 3 to 4 ft wide.
• Bloom Time: Spring; small, inconspicuous flowers lead to berries on female plants with a nearby male.
• Soil pH: Slightly to moderately acidic, about 5.0 to 6.5.

Ideal Uses

Use as a stately vertical accent or clipped hedge where year-round texture and winter fruit provide strong garden structure.

• Focal Point: Columnar outline frames doors, gates, and pathways.
• Hedge or Screen: Tight branching accepts shearing for formal lines.
• Foundation Planting: Evergreen mass anchors corners and entries.
• Wildlife Value: Winter berries feed birds and dense cover shelters songbirds.
• Mixed Borders: Dark, glossy foliage contrasts with grasses and perennials.

Low Maintenance Care

Light pruning and consistent moisture keep plants dense and fruiting; site selection and a pollinizer are key.

• Watering: Deeply soak when the top 1 to 2 in are dry; increase frequency in heat and for new plantings.
• Pruning: Shape lightly just after spring bloom to preserve berry set; remove winter-damaged wood in late winter.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with an acid-forming, slow-release fertilizer based on soil test.
• Mulching: Apply 2 to 3 in of pine bark or leaf mold, keeping mulch a few inches from the trunk to cool roots and retain moisture.
• Notes: Female; plant with a compatible male (e.g., 'Castle Wall' or 'Blue Prince') within 30 to 50 ft for berries; protect from road salt and drying winter winds.

Why Choose Castle Spire Meserve Holly?

This selection combines a space-saving, formal habit with reliable winter color and wildlife value.

• Four-Season Structure: Evergreen, glossy foliage and tight columnar form.
• Winter Interest: Bright red berries on pollinated females.
• Small-Space Friendly: Narrow footprint suits entries and tight beds.
• Shear-Ready: Accepts pruning for hedges and topiary accents.
• Wildlife Support: Berries and cover for birds in cold months.

Plant in acidic, well-drained soil with sun to part shade, pair with a compatible male, and prune after bloom to enjoy dense form and heavy berry display.