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Ilex 'Mesdob'(CHINA BOY)
Common Name: China Boy Hybrid Holly
Ilex ‘Mesdob’ (China Boy®) is a dense evergreen holly valued for its glossy dark green foliage and strong upright branching. This male holly does not produce berries but is widely planted as an effective pollinator for female hollies such as China Girl®. The leaves are deep green with noticeable spines, giving it classic holly texture and year-round structure.
Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 4–6 ft · Height: 8–10 ft
USDA Zones: 5a–9b
Form: Upright, dense, pyramidal
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Water: Medium; prefers regular moisture during establishment
Wildlife: Provides shelter for birds
Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for hedges, screening, foundation plantings, and as a pollinator for berry-producing female hollies. Its dense evergreen habit provides strong winter structure.
Care:
Plant in well-drained acidic soil and avoid poorly drained sites. Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed. Use near female hollies for reliable berry production.
| Plant Type: | Broadleaf Evergreen |
| Width: | 4-6' |
| Height: | 8-10' |
| Fragrant: | Yes |
| Fruit: | Not verified |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Zone: | 5–9 |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Salt Tolerant: | Not verified |
| Drought Tolerant: | No |
| Attract: | Bees |
| Exposure: | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| Bloom Time: | Late Spring, Early Summer, Spring |
| Landscape/Use: | Hedge |
| Shape: | Pyramidal, Rounded, Upright, Broad |
| Soil Type | Acidic, Moist well-drained |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Fall Color: | Green |