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Golden Girl® Meserve Holly

Ilex x meserveae 'Mesgolg'

Nature Hills Nursery
$26981
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: This holly performs best in full sun to partial shade. Aim for at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight to maintain the dense, bushy habit and rich evergreen color that makes this variety a standout.
  • Soil: It thrives in moist, well drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you are dealing with heavy clay, plant it in a raised mound to keep the roots from sitting in water, which can cause root rot.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Golden Girl® Meserve Holly deeply twice a week to help the root system get established. Once mature, these hollies are quite resilient, but consistent moisture is key to preventing the leaves from browning at the edges during dry spells. Inconsistent watering often leads to fewer of those signature yellow berries and a thinner appearance.

Pruning Tips

Because these hollies bloom on old wood, the best time to prune is in early spring before the new growth starts. Think of it like a light trim to maintain the shape; simply snip back branches that have strayed too far from the main form. Pruning at this time ensures you don't cut off the flower buds that will eventually become the bright yellow winter fruit.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer designed for acid loving plants in early spring. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages soft new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is very susceptible to winter burn and can weaken the overall health of the shrub.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12 Week of March 2nd


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
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Gilded Berries - Golden Girl® Meserve Holly

Add a vibrant twist to your landscape with Golden Girl® Meserve Holly (Ilex x meserveae 'Mesgolg'), a striking broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its brilliant golden-yellow berries and glossy deep green foliage. Unlike traditional Hollies with red berries, this unique variety offers a bold pop of gold, creating a stunning contrast against its rich, leathery leaves.

Golden Girl® thrives in full sun to partial shade and is incredibly cold-hardy, making it an excellent choice for year-round structure and visual appeal. The birds will adore these gold berries as much as the butterflies adore the white spring blooms.

Plant this Meserve Holly with a compatible male pollinator (such as Blue Prince Holly) to ensure a heavy berry set that lasts through winter, providing seasonal interest and a valuable food source for birds.

Why You'll Love Golden Girl® Meserve Holly

  • Unique Golden-Yellow Berries ? A rare, eye-catching alternative to traditional red-berried Hollies.
  • Evergreen Beauty ? Glossy, deep green foliage remains vibrant through all seasons.
  • Cold Hardy & Heat Tolerant ? Thrives in USDA zones 5-9, adapting to a variety of climates.
  • Attracts Birds & Wildlife ? Golden berries provide a late-season food source for songbirds.
  • Drought-Tolerant & Low Maintenance ? Once established, requires little watering or upkeep.
  • Perfect for Hedges & Screens ? Grows 8-12 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide, creating a dense, natural barrier that blocks unwanted views and nosy neighbors alike.
  • Deer & Rabbit Resistant ? Less likely to be browsed by wildlife.
  • Pollinator Needed for Berries ? Plant near a male Holly, such as Blue Prince, as a pollinator to ensure abundant fruit production.

How to Use Golden Girl® Holly in Your Landscape

With its bold berries and elegant structure, this Holly is a versatile choice for any garden. Try planting it to:

  • Create a Colorful Privacy Hedge ? Offers lush greenery with a burst of golden berries in winter. Divide your front yard from the street for privacy or add tall screening around pools, hot tubs, and outdoor seating areas.
  • Enhance Mixed Borders & Foundation Plantings ? Adds year-round texture and depth. Add to the corners of your home or create a backdrop for your landscaping beds.
  • Attract Birds to Your Garden ? Provides a valuable food source in colder months.
  • Pair with Male Holly for Maximum Berries ? Combine with a male Merserve Holly for a show-stopping berry display. Snip the branches for indoor and outdoor d?cor in vase and container arrangements!
  • Use as a Specimen Plant ? Stands out with vivid color and glossy foliage.
  • Plant in Containers for Winter Interest ? A great way to add seasonal beauty to patios and entryways.

Simple Holly Growing & Care Guide

Holly are wonderfully easy to grow and maintain evergreen shrubs! Read how here!

  • Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade; at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily ensures best berry production.
  • Soil: Thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil but adapts to different conditions.
  • Watering: Moderate; water regularly when young, then only during extended dry periods.
  • Mulching: Provide a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around the root system.
  • Pruning: Minimal pruning required?shape lightly in early spring if needed.
  • Spacing: Plant 4-6 feet apart for a full hedge or border.

Order Golden Girl® Meserve Holly Today

For a stunning evergreen with unique golden berries, Golden Girl® Meserve Holly is the perfect addition to any landscape. With its striking color, easy-care nature, and bird-friendly appeal, this hardy shrub provides four-season interest with minimal effort.

Ready to enjoy brilliant golden berries and year-round greenery? Order your Golden Girl® Meserve Holly today! Order today and enjoy the year-round beauty of Golden Girl® Holly in your garden!

Growing Zones 5-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall and wide does Golden Girl® Meserve Holly grow at maturity?
  • Golden Girl® Meserve Holly reaches 8-12 feet tall and 4-8 feet wide at maturity. This dense growth habit makes it excellent for creating privacy screens or hedges. Allow adequate spacing when planting to accommodate its full mature width.

What are the sunlight requirements for Golden Girl® Meserve Holly?
  • Golden Girl® Meserve Holly thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable shrub performs well across USDA zones 5-9 with flexible light requirements. For best berry production, plant in a location with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily alongside a male pollinator like Blue Prince Holly, available at naturehills.com.

What type of soil does Golden Girl® Meserve Holly prefer, and is it tolerant of clay or acidic conditions?
  • Golden Girl® Meserve Holly adapts well to various soil types, including clay and acidic conditions. This hardy shrub tolerates poor drainage better than many evergreens and actually prefers slightly acidic soil. Ensure good drainage in heavy clay by adding compost when planting.

Is Golden Girl® Meserve Holly deer resistant or tolerant of urban pollution?
  • Golden Girl® Meserve Holly is deer and rabbit resistant, making it ideal for areas with browsing wildlife. Like most Holly varieties, it also tolerates urban pollution well. Plant it as a natural barrier in zones 5-9 where deer pressure is high.

Can Golden Girl® Meserve Holly be planted under power lines due to its mature size?
  • Golden Girl® Meserve Holly reaches 8-12 feet tall at maturity, which may conflict with power line clearance requirements. Most utilities require 15+ feet of clearance for safety. Consider planting it away from overhead lines or choose a smaller shrub variety available at naturehills.com.

Does Golden Girl® Meserve Holly have spiny leaves like traditional hollies, and are they less prickly?
  • Golden Girl® Meserve Holly has the characteristic spiny, leathery leaves typical of holly varieties. The glossy deep green foliage maintains its protective spines year-round. Plant it away from high-traffic areas or use it as a natural barrier where the spiny texture is an advantage.

How cold hardy is Golden Girl® Meserve Holly in zone 5, and does it show winter damage?
  • Golden Girl® Meserve Holly is reliably cold hardy in USDA zone 5 without significant winter damage. This variety was specifically bred for cold tolerance and maintains its glossy evergreen foliage through harsh winters. Plant in a protected location from harsh winds for best results.
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