PL#176
Castle Keep
Ilex 'SMNIFA'
Long a favorite during its evaluations, Castle Keep® blue holly has the classic good looks of this handsome evergreen but with soft-to-the-touch deep green foliage. This blue holly adds interest to the winter landscape and provides a food source for birds. The semi-dwarf rounded habit makes it a versatile choice for landscapes, perfect for hedges, screens, or as a specimen. Castle Keep® Ilex x meserveae is a female variety that will develop red fruit if a male pollinator like Castle Wall® holly is planted nearby. The bright berries are a classic addition to cut flower or holiday arrangements.
Public reference
- Genus
- Ilex
- Species
- —
- Cultivar
- SMNIFA
- Trade name
- CASTLE KEEP
- Hardiness zones
- 5–7 (USDA)
- Mature height
- 3–5 ft
- Mature width
- 3–4 ft
- Description
- Long a favorite during its evaluations, Castle Keep® blue holly has the classic good looks of this handsome evergreen but with soft-to-the-touch deep green foliage. This blue holly adds interest to the winter landscape and provides a food source for birds. The semi-dwarf rounded habit makes it a versatile choice for landscapes, perfect for hedges, screens, or as a specimen. Castle Keep® Ilex x meserveae is a female variety that will develop red fruit if a male pollinator like Castle Wall® holly is planted nearby. The bright berries are a classic addition to cut flower or holiday arrangements.
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Identity
- Common names
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- Patent number
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Lifecycle & form
- Lifecycle
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- Deciduous / evergreen
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- Height category
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- Form
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- Growth habit
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Site requirements
- Sun exposure
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- Soil moisture
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- pH range
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- Drought tolerant
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- Flood tolerant
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- Heat tolerant
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Flowers
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- Flower colors
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- Flower size
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- Flower shape
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- Petal count
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- Reblooming
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- Fragrance level
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- Fragrance notes
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Foliage
- Foliage colors (by season)
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- Variegated
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- Seasons of interest
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Wildlife & safety
- Attracts
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- Deer resistant
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- Rodent resistant
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- Pet toxicity
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- Human toxicity
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Use & care
- Best for
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- Thornless
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- Has seed pods
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- Difficulty level
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- Gardener notes
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Legal
- Asexual propagation forbidden
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- Patent expires
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