Shrubs

Ilex x meserveae 'SMNIFA'

Castle Keep® blue holly

Castle Keep® blue holly. Photo courtesy of Proven Winners.

Glossy, deep green leaves give this compact blue holly year-round presence. Its dense, rounded growth needs little shaping and fits foundation beds or more formal settings. Female plants can carry red berries when a compatible male holly grows nearby.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to part sun
Mature size: 3–5 ft. tall × 3–4 ft. wide
Water: Moderate
Hardiness: USDA zones 5–7
Bloom: White; spring

Sizes & prices

#55'X4' Blue Holly, an improvement over Blue P rincess or Blue Maid. Proven Winner - Castle KeepCall for price

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

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Seasonal interest

Foliage: Evergreen.
Fruit: Red berries with successful pollination.

Growing & care

Pruning: Avoid routine pruning to preserve flowers and berries.
Pollination: Plant a compatible male, such as Castle Wall®, within about 50 ft. for berries.
Soil: Prefers acidic soil.

Sources & photo credits

Proven Winners

Photo: Photo courtesy of Proven Winners · Authorized nursery promotional use

Reviewed September 21, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.