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China Boy Holly

Ilex x meserveae 'Mesdob'

Category: Evergreen Shrub • Holly

China Boy Holly is an evergreen shrub with attractive berries, perfect for foundation planting and privacy screens.

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Mature Height: 4-6 feet
Mature Width: 3-5 feet
Light: Part Sun/Part Shade
Zone: Zones 5-9
Maintenance: Low
Growth Rate: Moderate
Season of Interest: Multi-season
Foliage: Evergreen

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

China Boy Holly is a striking evergreen shrub known for its glossy leaves and vibrant red berries. This hardy plant is perfect for adding year-round interest to your garden. It thrives in well-drained soil and can be used as a foundation plant or in hedges. Its attractive foliage and berries provide excellent winter interest.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-drained, moist soil.

Soil Preferences

Requires good drainage and can adapt to various soil types. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

foundation plantingspecimen

Special Features

Evergreen foliageattractive red berries

Wildlife Value

Attracts birds and provides habitat.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for year-round interest and wildlife attraction. Can be used as a natural privacy screen.

Maintenance Notes

Low

Complementary Plants

Plants That Pair Well in the Landscape

Selected using botanical relationships, growing conditions, color harmony, size, texture, season, and landscape use.

What Clients Say

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“I have had great experiences with Bold Outdoors. Josh designed our home's landscaping and has been a valued partner for the past 7 years as we have added to and maintained our home's landscaping.”

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“Bold Outdoors has provided the highest quality professional landscape design, installation and after installation services at my residence.”

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is China Boy Holly a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design plan.

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