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China Girl™ Broadleaf Holly (Ilex x meserveae 'China Girl') - 3 gallon 15" -Ship Only

China Girl™ Broadleaf Holly (Ilex x meserveae 'China Girl') - 3 gallon 15" -Ship Only

Plant Return Policy & Shipping Details +

Some of the plants you'll find here reach beyond what we grow and keep on hand at the garden center — they ship straight to your door from a network of growers we trust. Because these items never come through Pandy's Garden Center, they can't be picked up, returned, or exchanged in store, and all online plant orders are final sale.

If your order shows up damaged, send us photos of the plant and the packaging within 48 hours of delivery. Once we've had a look, we'll arrange a replacement wherever possible.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Orders leave from a separate facility and may arrive on their own schedule
  • Online plant purchases don't carry any warranty or guarantee
  • How a plant does once it's home depends on the care and conditions you give it
  • Prices online may differ from what you'll find in store

For order support, contact Michael Pandy — michael@pandysgardencenter.com

✓ Ships directly to your home
✓ Free Shipping — included in the plant price, prior to tax
✓ Online exclusive — delivered to your door
All sales final — this order can't be cancelled or returned. If your plant arrives with an issue, contact us within 48 hours. See Plant Return Policy & Shipping Details above for how.
⚠ Shipping Restriction Unfortunately, we're unable to ship this plant to: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, and Montana.
🚚 When will my plant ship?

Ships UPS Ground — usually within 1–2 business days of your order.

Most orders arrive in 3–5 business days.

We ship early in the week so your plant isn't sitting in a truck over the weekend — orders placed Friday or over the weekend typically ship the following Monday.

Shipping to AZ, CA, NV, OR, UT or WA? Allow 3–10 business days.

Why the extra time? These states require nursery plants to be “dipped” before they can cross the state line — the roots are treated and inspected to make sure no soil pests (like Japanese beetle) travel with the plant. It’s a required agricultural step that adds a few days, and it means your plant arrives clean and compliant.

Plant Details

Size
3 Gallon 15"
Attributes
Urban Tolerant
Category
Shrub
Exposure
Sun
Features
Deer resistant, Inedible fruit, Spring flowering
Habit
Rounded
Height
8-10'
Soil
Average
Width
6-8'
Zone
4–9
$68.99

Description

China Girl™ Broadleaf Holly, or Ilex 'Mesog' CHINA GIRL, is a striking evergreen shrub that brings a touch of elegance to any garden with its glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries. Perfect for those looking to add year-round beauty to their outdoor spaces, this holly is both ornamental and functional. It typically grows to a height of 5 to 8 feet, making it ideal for creating privacy hedges or serving as a standout specimen plant. Caring for China Girl™ Broadleaf Holly is straightforward, as it thrives in partial to full sun and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. With moderate watering needs and a tolerance for pruning, it is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually appealing plant. Its ability to withstand temperatures between 60 to 75°F makes it adaptable to various climates, ensuring it can be a part of your garden for years to come. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this holly variety offers practical benefits. The vibrant red berries not only add color during the dreary winter months but also attract birds and pollinators, supporting local wildlife. Whether you're looking to enhance your garden's biodiversity or simply enjoy the visual delight of a thriving plant, China Girl™ Broadleaf Holly is a versatile choice. Incorporating this plant into your garden not only boosts its visual appeal but also connects you with a piece of horticultural tradition, as hollies have been cherished in gardens for centuries. Its ease of care and stunning appearance make it a beloved choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.
⭐ Earn 68 points on this plant — collect 100 points for a $5 reward.

Will this grow in my area?

This plant is hardy in Zones 4–9–4–9. Enter your ZIP to check your zone.

16 in stock

Quantity
🌱 Successful Planting Instructions
Proper planting depth — plant 2–3" higher than grade, trunk flare exposed

1. Dig a hole 1½–2× the width of your plant's root ball. Set the soil to the side.

2. Mix your backfill — Pine Bark Soil Conditioner, Compost & Native Soil (1/3 of each) in a wheelbarrow or on the ground.

3. Plant it high — when backfilling, keep the plant 2–3" higher than the surrounding soil (as shown). Plant flush with the soil if in a raised bed.

4. Mulch the top of the soil 2–3" deep around the plant — keep mulch away from the main trunk.

5. Feed as you plant with Holly-tone for acid-loving plants.

The 1/3 backfill blend:

🟤
1/3Native Soil
🪵
1/3Pine Bark Soil Conditioner
🍂
1/3Compost
Soil conditioner, compost, Holly-tone & cedar mulch are available in-store or for local pickup at our Elyria Garden Center — these items don't ship but you can find at local store near you.
✕Pickup is not available for this item — it ships free to your door.
💧 Watering Guide

Over- and under-watering is the #1 cause of plant death — so always check the soil before you water.

How to check — the wire/screwdriver test. Straighten a wire or coat hanger, push it 6–12" into the soil next to the plant, pull it out, and read it:
  • Clear or dusty → water the plant
  • Muddy → soil is too wet
  • Moist with a little soil clinging to it → watered just right ✓
  • Won't go in → water immediately

Newly planted trees & shrubs — keep the soil moist their first season and never let it dry out. Water slowly at the base (hose ~6" from the trunk, pencil-thin stream):

  • Shrubs — 3 min
  • Ornamentals (flowering crab, etc.) — 10 min
  • Evergreens (6') — 15 min
  • Deciduous (2½" caliper) — 15 min (+15 min per extra inch)

Using a Gator Bag? Fill it every 3 days.

How often (OHIO Weather) (new plantings):

  • Apr 15 – May 15: once a week
  • May 16 – Sept 15: twice a week
  • Sept 16 – Oct 31: once a week
  • Mid-Nov – early Dec: once, if the ground isn't frozen
Already established? Most of the time, rooted-in plants only need water during a drought — when it's gone 10–14 days without an inch of rain.
Read the full Watering Guide →
View full details