Ilex x meserveae 'China Girl'

China Girl Holly

Ilex × meserveae ‘China Girl’ is an evergreen holly valued for its glossy dark green foliage, dense branching, and abundant bright red berries on female plants when pollinated. The leaves are small, lustrous, and moderately spined, giving the shrub a neat compact appearance with dependable winter fruit display. It is especially valued for heavy berry production and cold hardiness.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 4–6 ft · Height: 6–8 ft
USDA Zones: 5a–8b

Form: Dense, upright-rounded

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Water: Medium; prefers regular moisture during establishment

Wildlife: Berries attract birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for hedges, foundation plantings, screening, and specimen use where reliable winter berry display and evergreen structure are desired. Its compact size fits well in smaller landscapes.

Care:
Plant in well-drained acidic soil and avoid prolonged drought during establishment. Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed. A male pollinator such as China Boy® improves berry production.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen, Evergreen Shrub

Height

7'

Width

5-8'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation Plant, Hedge

Shape

Compact, Rounded, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No