Ilex x meserveae 'Mesgolg' gollden girl

Golden Girl Holly

Ilex × meserveae ‘Mesogold’ (Golden Girl Holly) is a dense, broadleaf evergreen shrub with a rounded to upright habit, featuring glossy blue-green foliage with spiny margins. This female cultivar produces abundant bright yellow berries in fall and winter when pollinated, providing excellent seasonal interest. It is valued for its cold hardiness, colorful fruit display, and use in foundation or hedge plantings.

Type: Shrub (Evergreen)
Mature Size: 6–8' W × 6–8' H
USDA Zones: 5a–8b
Form: Rounded to upright

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils; moderate water, prefers consistent moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Spring; short and inconspicuous

Wildlife: Birds (berries), bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings. The bright yellow berries provide strong winter interest and contrast nicely with the dark evergreen foliage. Requires a male pollinator such as ‘Blue Prince’ nearby for fruit set.

Care:
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape. Mulch to conserve moisture and protect roots. Avoid alkaline soils and drying winds; water during prolonged dry periods.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

6-8'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Fruit color

Gold

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Foundation Plant, Hedge

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No