Blue Holly Ilex × meserveae Little Rascal = 'Mondo' (m)
ABOUT
Little Rascal Holly is a robust plant known for its year-round ornamental appeal. It has a dense, rounded habit that showcases its rich, dark green foliage. The leaves of the Little Rascal are glossy with a slightly wavy margin and possess a classic holly look with spines, although they are not quite as sharp as some other holly varieties. This gives the plant a textured appearance and feel. The male plant will not produce berries but serves as an excellent pollinator for female varieties, supporting them in creating a display of bright, ornamental berries on those plants. Throughout the seasons, the plant's foliage maintains its vibrant color, providing a consistent and reliable addition to any garden space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Aquifoliaceae.
Synonyms
Blue Holly, Meserve Holly.
Common names
Ilex × meserveae 'MonNieves', Ilex × meserveae 'Monnieves'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Blue Holly may be toxic to humans if ingested. The berries, in particular, contain substances like saponins and can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain if eaten in large quantities. Although fatalities are rare, it is advised to avoid eating any part of the Blue Holly plant to prevent these unpleasant and potentially harmful effects.
To pets
Blue Holly can be toxic to pets if ingested. The plant's berries contain toxic substances such as saponins and can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain in animals. In severe cases, ingestion can result in a decreased appetite, drowsiness, or other changes in behavior. It is important to prevent pets from eating any part of the Blue Holly to avoid these possible adverse health consequences.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5-8
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Ilex × meserveae Little Rascal has glossy, dark green leaves that provide year-round visual interest in the garden.
- Durable: It is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
- Compact Size: 'Mondo' is a compact cultivar, which makes it ideal for small gardens or spaces where a smaller shrub is needed.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care once established, needing only occasional pruning to maintain shape and size.
- Wildlife Support: It can provide shelter and berries for birds, offering a source of food and habitat.
- Versatile Landscaping: Suitable for hedges, foundation plantings, or as a specimen plant, it offers versatility in landscaping design.
- Deer Resistance: It is known to be resistant to deer, which is beneficial in areas where deer browsing can be a problem for gardeners.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ilex × meserveae Little Rascal, commonly known as holly, can be used in topiary gardens due to its dense foliage which can be trimmed into intricate shapes and designs.
- The stiff and glossy leaves of holly make it suitable for creating natural outdoor Christmas decorations, enduring cold weather without losing its vibrant green color.
- Due to its robust nature, holly can be planted as a security measure, its prickly leaves acting as a deterrent to prevent unwanted access through garden boundaries.
- Holly can be used in woodworking and marquetry for its fine-grained, hard, and white-colored wood, especially for inlays and small wooden items.
- The berries of holly, while toxic to humans and pets, provide a valuable food source for birds during the winter months, and planting holly can be a way of supporting wildlife.
- Holly's dense foliage provides excellent shelter for birds and small mammals, making it a habitat plant in garden designs aimed at encouraging biodiversity.
- As an evergreen plant, holly can be used for privacy screens and hedges, offering year-round seclusion and structure to garden spaces.
- The plant's resilience to pollution makes it a suitable choice for urban and roadside plantings to create green spaces within city environments.
- Due to its slow growth and resistance to pruning, holly can be cultivated as bonsai, offering an opportunity for enthusiasts to enjoy this traditional art form.
- Holly branches are commonly used in winter wreath-making workshops, which can serve as artisanal training activities or therapeutic sessions for groups and individuals.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Holly is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Holly is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Ilex, commonly known as Holly, has been symbolically associated with protection due to its spiky leaves, which were thought to ward off negative energies and evil spirits.
- Good Fortune: Because Holly is an evergreen and retains its vibrant leaves throughout the seasons, it has come to symbolize good fortune and hope for a prosperous future.
- Endurance: The hardiness of Holly to survive in harsh winter conditions makes it a symbol of endurance and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Peace: Historically, Holly was used as a decoration during the winter solstice to promote peace and goodwill among people during the darkest part of the year.
- Rebirth: The evergreen nature of Holly also leads to its symbolism of rebirth and the never-ending cycle of life, aligning with the seasonal cycles of the earth.
WaterBlue Holly 'Little Rascal' prefers consistently moist soil but does not tolerate standing water. Water the shrub deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time during the active growing season. In periods of drought or extreme heat, the frequency may need to increase to twice a week. During the fall and winter months, reduce watering to every two weeks, monitoring soil moisture to prevent it from drying out completely. It's crucial not to overwater, as Blue Holly is sensitive to root rot.
LightBlue Holly 'Little Rascal' thrives best in full sun to partial shade. A location that receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal for this plant. However, it can also tolerate light shade, especially in the hotter parts of the day or in regions with very intense summer sun, which may scorch its leaves. Avoid deep shade since it can lead to poor growth and reduced foliage density.
TemperatureBlue Holly 'Little Rascal' is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9 and can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F to -10°F during winter dormancy. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50°F and 70°F for optimal growth. Extreme heat above 90°F may stress the plant, especially without adequate water and mulch to keep the roots cool.
PruningBlue Holly 'Little Rascal' should be pruned to maintain shape and encourage vigorous growth. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Thinning out older branches every few years will rejuvenate the plant and improve air circulation. It's often sufficient to prune this holly once yearly unless shaping is required or to remove damaged or diseased branches.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlue Holly 'Little Rascal' prefers well-draining, acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. A good soil mix can be created by combining equal parts peat moss, pine bark, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Regularly check the pH and adjust with sulfur or lime if needed to maintain the desired acidity.
RepottingBlue Holly 'Little Rascal' should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and allow for root growth. It's important to use a slightly larger pot each time to accommodate the root system without overpotting, which can lead to excess moisture and root rot.
Humidity & MistingBlue Holly 'Little Rascal' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels but thrives in moderate to high humidity. Aim for a humidity level around 40-60%. Though it is versatile, providing good air circulation will help prevent fungal issues which can arise in high humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Blue Holly 'Little Rascal' in bright, indirect light indoors with some direct sun.
Outdoor
Plant Blue Holly 'Little Rascal' in partial shade to full sun outdoors.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleIlex × meserveae 'Little Rascal' (commonly known as Holly 'Little Rascal') starts its life as a seed, which upon germination develops into a seedling with characteristic glossy, spiny leaves. As it matures, this evergreen shrub undergoes a vegetative growth stage where it establishes a strong root system and dense foliage, with male plants like 'Little Rascal' producing small white flowers typically in spring. Following pollination, which does not involve 'Little Rascal' as it is a male cultivar, female plants would produce berries; however, 'Little Rascal' will not bear fruit itself. This plant continues to grow, maintaining its compact, mounded form while increasing in size, and may require pruning to shape and manage its growth. It reaches maturity in several years and can live for numerous years if properly cared for, remaining evergreen and with minimal seasonal changes except for potential flowering. Ultimately, as with all plants, the Holly 'Little Rascal' concludes its lifecycle upon senescence, where it will decline in vitality and eventually die.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Ilex × meserveae 'Little Rascal', commonly known as Blue Holly, is most commonly propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process involves selecting healthy, semi-mature stems from the current season's growth in late summer to early fall. For successful rooting, cuttings typically measure between 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) and include several sets of leaves. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone before being placed into a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings are then kept moist and in a protected environment with high humidity until roots have developed, which may take several weeks to a few months. This method is favored for preserving the characteristics of the parent plant.
