Evergreen Shrub – Scallywag Holly

Scallywag holly 

 Botanical name: Ilex x meserveae ‘monnieves’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: about 4 ft in height with a spread of about 3 ft 

Hardy zone:  zones 5-9

Foliage color:  green, red/purple 

Growth rate:  grows less than 1 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring before new growth emerges to maintain desired shape and size

Propagation methods:  propagate with cuttings during the summer months 

Landscape use:  foundation planting, container plant, low hedge, edging/borders

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: compact form, pest and disease resistant, pollenizer plant, foliage turns red/purple in the fall and winter months

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions :  use a slow-release holly fertilizer once in the early spring, and again in the early fall 

Best time to plant:  spring or fall 

Best type of soil: can adapt to all kinds of soil 

Companion plants: hydrangeas, azaleas, viburnum, other hollies

Toxicity level: low-moderate toxicity levels in ingested for both humans and pets 

Invasive species: no