Ilex × 'Mesog' [sold as China Girl®]
China Girl Holly

Ilex × ′Mesog′ [sold as China Girl®] - Habit

Family:

Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family) 18

Genus:

Ilex (Holly Inkberry Gallberry Winterberry Black Alder Alder, Black Coralberry) 18

Plant Type:

Shrub 468

Growth Forms:

Upright 583

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 5 260

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Evergreen 263

Flower Notes:

White (Spring; small; not ornamentally important)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Lustrous evergreen foliage)

Fruit Notes:

Red (Large, round red fruits that persist into winter)

Ultimate Height:

7-10 feet

Ultimate Spread:

5-8 feet

Light Requirements:

Soil Notes:

Prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soils

Range:

Hybrid origin

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves are alternate, simple, obovate, evergreen, leathery, spiny, cupped, lustrous dark green above with slightly impressed veins above. Fruits are 0.3" dia.

Purdue Plant Doctor

Parts and Problems of Holly, Winterberry

Special Characteristics:

Pollution Tolerant 217

Slow Growth Rate 272

Winter Interest 117

Additional Information

'China Girl' is a dense, rounded holly hybrid with lustrous evergreen foliage. This cultivar is female and 'China Boy' is the pollinator if fruit set is desired. Winter desiccation injury to leaves in exposed sites.