Holly (Ilex 'Mesog' CHINA GIRL)
The Ilex 'Mesog' CHINA GIRL Holly is a dense, low-maintenance evergreen shrub prized for its dark green foliage and bright winter berries.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL is a superb broadleaf evergreen Holly variety, valuable for providing structure and year-round visual interest in the landscape. This dense shrub offers glossy, dark green, spiny-toothed foliage that contrasts beautifully with the vibrant red fruits it produces in autumn and winter. Growing reliably between 7 to 10 feet tall, the Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL requires relatively low maintenance once established, making it an excellent choice for defined borders or screening.
A highly practical characteristic of this cultivar is its robust nature; it handles average soils and adapts well to different conditions, provided drainage is adequate. Gardeners primarily choose the female Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL for its ornamental berries, which require the presence of a male pollinator like the CHINA BOY variety. Its upright, rounded habit ensures that this Holly remains a handsome feature throughout all four seasons.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Aquifoliaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-9
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 7-10 ft
- Spread: 5-8 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: White
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
Planting is best done in spring or early fall to allow the root system to establish before seasonal extremes. Choose a location that offers full sun exposure or light afternoon shade. While this Holly is adaptable, it thrives best in consistently moist, acidic, organic soils that drain well, avoiding heavy, waterlogged areas.
Water needs are medium; ensure consistent moisture, particularly for new plantings, during dry spells. Maintenance for Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL is generally low. Pruning is recommended only to shape the shrub, and this should be done in early spring just before the new growth cycle begins.
When incorporating this Holly into your garden design, remember the dioecious nature of the plant. To guarantee the conspicuous red berries that make the Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL so attractive, you must plant a male pollinator, such as CHINA BOY, within 400 feet to ensure successful fruit set on the female plants.
Landscape Uses
The Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL excels where year-round structure and color are desired. Its upright, dense form makes it an outstanding specimen for foundation plantings, softening the hard lines of a building foundation with deep green texture. Due to its manageable height of up to 10 feet, it serves beautifully as a formal or informal hedge, providing privacy and clean delineation within the garden space.
For dramatic winter interest, plant groups of these female Hollies together as a shrub border, knowing that the red fruit will provide essential color when deciduous plantings are bare. Gardeners also appreciate that cut twigs from the mature Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL are excellent additions to holiday wreaths and arrangements.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
The Ilex genus contains over 400 species known for their attractive evergreen foliage. The specific name cultivar, CHINA GIRL, is an upright, rounded, dense evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves featuring spiny margins. While it can mature over many years to 10 feet tall, it is often maintained at a shorter stature.
Tolerances
- Air Pollution
Potential Problems
This Holly variety generally exhibits low maintenance but is susceptible to several common pests and diseases common to the genus. Potential insect issues include scale insects, whiteflies, spider mites, and the holly leaf miner, which tunnels within the leaves. Regularly inspect the foliage, especially the undersides, for early signs of infestation and treat promptly with appropriate horticultural oils or insecticides.
Disease problems sometimes manifest as leaf spot, tar spot, powdery mildew, or leaf rot, often exacerbated by poor air circulation or overly wet conditions. To mitigate this, ensure proper spacing and avoid overhead watering late in the day. Additionally, Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL can suffer from leaf scorch in extremely exposed, windy winter locations or exhibit chlorosis (yellowing) if grown in soils with a pH that is too high.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Holly suitable for?
The Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL is reliably winter-hardy across USDA Zones 5 through 9.
How large does Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL grow?
This evergreen shrub typically matures to a height between 7 and 10 feet, with a spread ranging from 5 to 8 feet wide.
When does Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL bloom?
Flowering occurs in mid to late spring, generally between April and May, producing small, relatively inconspicuous white flowers.
What sun exposure does Holly need?
For the best growth and fruit production, plant Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL where it will receive full sun or light to moderate afternoon shade.
Conclusion
The Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL offers gardeners a highly reliable, low-maintenance broadleaf evergreen solution, delivering texture, deep green color, and famous red winter berries. Successful cultivation hinges on providing adequate moisture and ensuring a male pollinator is nearby to maximize the ornamental appeal of this Holly. Be sure to check your local hardiness zone compatibility before planning your fall planting schedule.
Companion Planting
When designing a border featuring Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL, select partners that appreciate similar soil pH and moisture levels. Consider low-growing, acid-loving groundcovers like Creeping Phlox or low Vaccinium species to carpet the base areas, keeping mulch deep to maintain soil coolness. For height contrast around the base of this upright Holly, use plantings with different foliage textures, such as Ferns or Hosta varieties known to tolerate some morning sun.
Design Ideas
The use of Ilex ‘Mesog’ CHINA GIRL is particularly effective in creating formal sightlines due to its dense, uniform growth habit, perfect for flanking entryways or defining property lines as a hedge. For year-round visual appeal, pair it with deciduous shrubs that offer brilliant fall color, such as Japanese Maples or certain Viburnum varieties, allowing the Holly’s dark green structure to anchor the garden through winter. If the plant is situated against a lighter-colored wall, the glossy foliage and bright fruit will stand out dramatically.
