Castle Rouge® Blue Holly

Castle Rouge® is an upright, evergreen blue holly selection with glossy dark green foliage, red-burgundy new growth, and deep burgundy winter color. It reaches about 5–8 feet tall and 4–5 feet wide, and its male flowers can pollinate female Castle hollies ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/castle-rouge-blue-holly-ilex-x-meserveae)). ## Landscape use Use Castle Rouge as a hedge, border, foundation planting, or evergreen specimen. Its glossy foliage provides year-round structure, while new growth brings red-burgundy color and the winter leaves deepen to burgundy. The selection is rated for USDA zones 5–7 and grows in full sun to part shade ([Proven Winners ColorChoice](https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/plant/castle-rouge-blue-holly/)). ## Growing conditions Plant in acidic soil and provide average moisture. White flowers open in spring and attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. This is the male Castle Rouge selection; it can pollinate female Castle hollies when planted nearby ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/castle-rouge-blue-holly-ilex-x-meserveae)). ## Cultivar identity The exact selection is Ilex x meserveae 'HACH1', sold as Castle Rouge®. Its plant patent identifies Hach 1 as PP 25,475, granted 2015-04-28 ([Google Patents](https://patents.google.com/patent/USPP25475P2/en)). ## Maintenance Maintain average soil moisture. The plant's natural upright habit needs little trimming; if shaping is needed, prune after flowering ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/castle-rouge-blue-holly-ilex-x-meserveae)).