Castle Rouge Blue Holly (Ilex)

(Blue Holly) A fabulous addition to the CASTLE series of Ilex is Castle Rouge™. This breakthrough Blue Holly deserves a prominent place in the landscape to admire its attractive evergreen foliage. Burgundy red new growth appears on Castle Rouge™ all season long and winter brings its most stunning color as the whole plant is transformed into a deep dark burgundy wine. Hardy in zones 5-7, Castle Rouge™ grows 5-8 feet high by 4-5 feet wide and can be placed in full to part sun locations. It prefers moist acidic soil and benefits from a good layer of mulch. Castle Rouge™ is a male pollinator Blue Holly and will pollinate Castle Spire®, Castle Keep®, and other female Blue Hollies. If being used as a male pollinator, place Castle Rouge™ within 50 feet of a female noting that one male can pollinate up to 7 female plants. Castle Rouge™ blooms on old wood and can be pruned to shape after it has bloomed in the spring. Please note, since this is a male plant, it won’t produce red berries as the females do in the winter months, but its beautiful coloring will make up for it! Use Castle Rouge™ in the landscape as a specimen, a hedge, or in the mixed border. Castle Rouge™ is a Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrub.