Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Castle Spire® Blue Holly

Ilex x meserveae 'Hachfee'

Proven Winners®

Narrow Pyramidal Form Reaches 15 Feet Tall, Perfect for Vertical Screening and Dramatic Winter Interest
Thrives in Zones 5-7
Showy White Blooms in Late Spring
Perfect for Privacy Screen or Hedge
Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Songbirds

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Quart Container #3 Container

Product variants

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

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Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Attracts Birds, Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Rabbit Resistant, Shade Tolerant, Flowering, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone	5a to 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	6-10 ft
Width	4-5 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Holly
Botanical Name	Ilex x meserveae 'Hachfee'
Species	x meserveae
Cultivar	Hachfee
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Your home is your castle, so you will certainly want to protect your keep! Why not include a living fortification fit for a king? The Castle Spire® Holly (Ilex x meserveae 'Hachfee') is just that and more! An impressive broad-leaved evergreen shrub, the Castle Spire® has that clean, iconic leaf shape. Scalloped and pointed foliage, that's very glossy and highly ornamental! It was developed with improved branching and an even more lustrous, classic Holly leaf. It's charming year-round but really shines in the winter months.

Tall, pyramidal and elegant, the dark foliage looks handsome year-round! Plus spring brings tiny white blooms the bees will seek out. Late, the addition of ornate red berries if a male pollinator is nearby, makes this plant really stand out with four-season interest! You can almost see a red Cardinal or Blue Jay sitting among its branches just like in a Christmas card. It's a stunning display to be sure! The foliage and berries make outstanding decorations for the holiday season.

Castle Spire® is a female shrub and will only have berries if a male pollinator is planted nearby like Castle Wall®. One male will pollinate up to 5 females. Plant within 50' (15.25m) of each other to ensure pollination.

Planting and Application:

Planted alone, the glossy foliage by itself makes a lovely specimen plant for a front or side yard, or accent when planted among your mix-shrub borders as a shiny backdrop. Staying narrow, Castle Spire® has that perfect growing habit making it ideal for hedges, groupings and mass plantings. Create a living screen or even go one step further and create your own 'living walls' and garden rooms for outdoor privacy year-round.

Imagine this narrow Holly, standing resolute among the white snow, its blue-green, dark glossy leaves shining. The stems look lovely as evergreen decor in wreaths and arrangements. Just be sure to avoid pruning female Hollies until after they're done blooming.

Like any proper castle wall, these leaves will provide protection! Those slight points on each leave will have unwanted trespassers thinking twice before crossing them! Castle Spire® of course creates amazing privacy and a barrier-forming hedge. It works well as a handsome foundation plant as well! Typically filling out nicely all the way to ground level, so you won't have to consider planting facer plants around it.

Gorgeous Evergreen Holly
Iconic Glossy Holly Leaf - Decorative Foliage Year-Round
White Flowers in Spring
Naturally Pyramidal Form
Female Shrub With Red Berries When Male Castle Wall® Is Nearby
Pollinators & Birds Love Them!
Hedges & Foundation Plantings

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Blue Holly are long-lived, commonly thriving for 40 years or more. Keep yours looking amazing the whole time with these helpful tips:

Loving both full sun and part shade sites, Blue Holly is highly resilient in USDA zones 5 through 7. Castle Spire® Holly needs well-drained soil with higher moisture availability. While being very cold-hardy, in the summer heat they will require regular watering, sometimes weekly, or more in extreme heat. Don’t let evergreens go into winter dry, provide winter watering when able. Holly prefers acidic soils and a generous layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture as well as insulate the root system from heat and chill.

It's Deer resistant so you don't have to worry about anything coming around for a quick nibble. You don't have to prune it, but you'll certainly want to when the holidays roll around for home décor. Castle Spire® Holly prefers to avoid those drying winter winds, so it would love to be nestled close to your home, against a wall or fence, or protected by other evergreen trees and shrubs.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Well-Drained Soil
Moderate Moisture Needs
Rarely Needs Pruning
Long-Lived & Deer Resistant

No castle or home should be without the privacy and protection that walls can provide! So why not have the long-living, handsome evergreen fortification that Castle Spire® Holly has to offer instead of cold stone? For a superior landscape, and lovely year-round green, call to order your new hedge from Nature Hills today!

Happy

Received it in a timely manner and it was in excellent condition. Put it in the ground the day it arrived. It is looking very healthy.

Dear Gilda,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We’re thrilled to hear your new plant arrived quickly and in excellent condition, and that it’s thriving already in your garden—that’s such great news. It sounds like you’ve got a true green thumb!

If you ever need tips on keeping it healthy or if you’d like to explore other plants to complement your growing collection, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your garden's journey every step of the way.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Happy

Received it in a timely manner and it was in excellent condition. Put it in the ground the day it arrived. It is looking very healthy.

Dear Gilda,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your positive experience with us! We’re thrilled to hear that your plant arrived quickly and in excellent condition, and it’s wonderful to know it’s already looking healthy in its new home. Your prompt planting truly helps set the stage for a thriving garden, and we’re excited to see it flourish.

If you ever have any questions about care tips or want guidance on helping your plant grow even stronger, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always here to support your gardening journey!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Perfect

I bought 2 to put in the back corners of my yard, near the back fence. The classic bright green leaves & red berries in winter are so beautiful. Thanks Nature Hills!

Dear Great winter color,

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that your Castle Spire® Blue Holly plants are thriving in those back corners of your yard and adding such beautiful winter color with their bright green leaves and vibrant red berries. Holly is truly special during the colder months, brightening outdoor spaces with its classic charm.

If you ever want to keep them at their best, be sure to provide well-draining soil and some morning sun to keep the leaves glossy. Also, occasional mulching helps preserve soil moisture, especially through winter. And if birds take a liking to those berries as much as we imagine, consider adding a little bird feeder nearby—it’s a perfect way to keep your garden lively all season!

Thanks again for trusting Nature Hills, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or future garden plans.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

Perfect

I bought 2 to put in the back corners of my yard, near the back fence. The classic bright green leaves & red berries in winter are so beautiful. Thanks Nature Hills!

Dear Great C.,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the Castle Spire® Blue Holly! We’re absolutely delighted to hear that its bright green leaves and winter red berries are adding beauty to your yard. Placing them in your back corners near the fence is a fantastic idea—these hollies really do create striking focal points that brighten any space, especially during the colder months.

If you ever need tips on keeping your hollies thriving, remember they prefer well-drained soil and benefit from a balanced fertilizer in early spring to encourage lush growth and vibrant berries. Also, occasional pruning after winter helps maintain their elegant shape.

We’re here anytime you have questions or want plant suggestions for other corners of your garden.

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Need more hollies

I put 3 castle spire holly bushes along a fence a few years ago. Now i'm back to buy more. I might also look at the nellie stevens holly.

Hello Beaver,

Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! It’s fantastic to hear that your Castle Spire® Blue Holly bushes have grown well along your fence and that you’re looking to add even more to your garden. Castle Spire® really is a stunning evergreen with its upright growth and rich blue-green foliage—a lovely choice that creates a beautiful screening effect.

The Nellie Stevens Holly is also an excellent selection, especially if you’re thinking about adding some variety to your landscape. Known for its glossy dark leaves and bright red berries, it makes a great compliment to the Castle Spire® especially for winter interest and wildlife attraction.

If you want to mix them or keep doubling down on the cast spires, do pay attention to spacing to give those holly bushes plenty of room for growth—Castle Spire® tends to have a narrower column habit, roughly 4 to 5 feet wide. For care, both hollies appreciate well-drained soil and some light afternoon shade in very hot climates for best foliage retention.

If you’d like, we can also provide tips on fertilizing and pruning as your planting grows. Feel free to reach out anytime!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Castle Spire® Blue Holly suitable for?

Castle Spire® Blue Holly thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5-8. This cold-hardy evergreen can withstand harsh winters while maintaining its glossy blue-green foliage year-round. Plant in fall or early spring for best establishment.

What is the mature size and height of Castle Spire® Blue Holly?

Castle Spire® Blue Holly reaches 8-10 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide at maturity, forming a narrow pyramidal shape. This compact growth habit makes it perfect for tight spaces, hedges, and foundation plantings. Plan spacing accordingly when creating privacy screens or groupings available at naturehills.com.

Does Castle Spire® Blue Holly need a male pollinator like Castle Wall® to produce berries?

Yes, Castle Spire® is a female holly that requires a male pollinator like Castle Wall® to produce its ornamental red berries. One male holly can pollinate up to 5 females when planted within 50 feet of each other. Plant both varieties to enjoy the full four-season interest with berries.

How far apart should Castle Spire® and Castle Wall® be planted for effective pollination?

Plant Castle Spire® and Castle Wall® within 50 feet of each other for reliable pollination. One male Castle Wall® can effectively pollinate up to 5 female Castle Spire® hollies when planted at this distance.

What type of soil does Castle Spire® Blue Holly prefer, and does it need acidic soil?

Castle Spire® Blue Holly thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.0-7.0). It adapts to various soil types but performs best with consistent moisture and good drainage. Add compost to heavy clay soils and ensure adequate spacing for air circulation when planting multiple specimens available at naturehills.com.

How much sun or shade does Castle Spire® Blue Holly require?

Castle Spire® Blue Holly thrives in partial sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable evergreen performs well with 4-6 hours of sunlight daily but tolerates shadier spots better than many holly varieties. Plant in a location that receives morning sun with some afternoon protection for optimal growth and berry production.

What are the watering requirements for Castle Spire® Blue Holly, especially in summer or winter?

Castle Spire® Blue Holly prefers consistent moisture but tolerates drought once established. Water deeply during summer dry spells and reduce watering in winter when growth slows. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot in cold months.

Is Castle Spire® Blue Holly deer resistant or rabbit resistant?

Castle Spire® Blue Holly's spiny, leathery foliage naturally deters deer and rabbits from browsing. The pointed, scalloped leaves provide excellent protection as both a specimen plant and in hedge plantings. Plant strategically around vulnerable garden areas for year-round pest deterrence.

How should I prune Castle Spire® Blue Holly to maintain its shape and berry production?

Prune Castle Spire® Blue Holly after blooming ends to preserve berry production for the following season. Light pruning maintains its natural pyramidal shape while heavy pruning can reduce flowering and fruiting. Focus on removing dead or crossing branches in late spring.

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

Castle Spire® Blue Holly

Ilex x meserveae 'Hachfee'

Planting and Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Shipping Rates

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Castle Spire® Blue Holly suitable for?

What is the mature size and height of Castle Spire® Blue Holly?

Does Castle Spire® Blue Holly need a male pollinator like Castle Wall® to produce berries?

How far apart should Castle Spire® and Castle Wall® be planted for effective pollination?

What type of soil does Castle Spire® Blue Holly prefer, and does it need acidic soil?

How much sun or shade does Castle Spire® Blue Holly require?

What are the watering requirements for Castle Spire® Blue Holly, especially in summer or winter?

Is Castle Spire® Blue Holly deer resistant or rabbit resistant?

How should I prune Castle Spire® Blue Holly to maintain its shape and berry production?

Choose options

Castle Spire® Blue Holly

Ilex x meserveae 'Hachfee'

Specifications

Description

Planting and Application:

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Watering Requirements

Pruning Tips

Fertilizer Needs

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Find on Page

Customer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Castle Spire® Blue Holly suitable for?

What is the mature size and height of Castle Spire® Blue Holly?

Does Castle Spire® Blue Holly need a male pollinator like Castle Wall® to produce berries?

How far apart should Castle Spire® and Castle Wall® be planted for effective pollination?

What type of soil does Castle Spire® Blue Holly prefer, and does it need acidic soil?

How much sun or shade does Castle Spire® Blue Holly require?

What are the watering requirements for Castle Spire® Blue Holly, especially in summer or winter?

Is Castle Spire® Blue Holly deer resistant or rabbit resistant?

How should I prune Castle Spire® Blue Holly to maintain its shape and berry production?