{"product_id":"china-boy","title":"China Boy®","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"layoutA\" id=\"pageSummary\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChina Boy® Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cem\u003e(Ilex × ‘Mesdob’) \u003c\/em\u003eis an attractive broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its glossy dark green foliage, dense rounded growth habit, and excellent adaptability to northern landscapes. This hardy hybrid holly combines the traditional appearance of classic evergreen hollies with improved tolerance of both cold winter temperatures and summer heat, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, evergreen hedges, privacy screens, and traditional estate-style landscapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn spring, China Boy® produces fresh green growth along its densely branched framework. Its thick, leathery evergreen leaves have a rich, glossy appearance with slightly cupped surfaces and spiny margins. Small white flowers appear in spring, providing pollen for bees and other visiting insects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChina Boy® is a male holly cultivar and does not produce ornamental berries. Instead, it serves as the recommended pollinator for China Girl® Holly, a female variety known for its abundant brilliant red winter berries. When planted nearby, China Boy® provides the pollen necessary for China Girl® to develop its colorful fruit display.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThroughout summer, China Boy® maintains its attractive dark green foliage and naturally rounded to broadly upright growth habit. Its dense branching creates a substantial evergreen presence, making it particularly useful for informal privacy screens, foundation beds, mixed shrub borders, and evergreen hedges.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring fall and winter, China Boy® retains its rich green foliage, providing dependable color and structure when surrounding deciduous plants have lost their leaves. Its excellent cold hardiness and improved heat tolerance make it a versatile choice for landscapes experiencing significant seasonal temperature changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChina Boy® is particularly desirable for homeowners seeking a traditional evergreen holly with an attractive natural shape and relatively low maintenance requirements. Whether planted individually, grouped into an evergreen hedge, or paired with China Girl® Holly, it offers an appealing combination of year-round structure, glossy foliage, and practical landscape value.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMore About China Boy® Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBroadleaf Evergreen Hybrid Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMale Cultivar — Does Not Produce Berries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Pollinator for China Girl® Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDense, Rounded to Broadly Upright Growth Habit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlossy Dark Green Foliage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSlightly Cupped Evergreen Leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive Spiny Leaf Margins\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Cold Hardiness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGood Summer Heat Tolerance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOutstanding Year-Round Evergreen Interest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall White Spring Flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvides Pollen for Pollinating Insects\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Evergreen Privacy Screen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for Formal and Informal Hedges\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive Foundation Planting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Background Evergreen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvides Year-Round Shelter for Birds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerally Deer Resistant, Not Deer-Proof\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eResponds Well to Pruning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for Traditional and Estate-Style Gardens\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrefers Moist, Well-Drained Soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLow Maintenance Once Established\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 8–10 Feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpread:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6–8 Feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness Zone:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5–9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCharacteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun Exposure:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Full Sun to Partial Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeason of Interest:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Moisture:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Average to Moist; Well-Drained\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttributes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Broadleaf Evergreen, Male Pollinator, Cold Hardy, Heat Tolerant, Dense Growth, Privacy Screen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoliage Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Glossy Dark Green\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e White\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerry Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e None — Male Cultivar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower Fragrance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Not Significant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dense, Rounded to Broadly Upright\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Slow to Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare \u0026amp; Maintenance Tips\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant in full sun to partial shade in fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. China Boy® performs best in locations where its roots receive consistent moisture without prolonged saturation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor evergreen hedges or screens, space plants approximately 5–7 feet apart, depending on the desired density and available growing space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen planting China Boy® as a pollinator for China Girl® Holly, position the male shrub nearby to encourage dependable pollen transfer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater regularly during the first growing season to establish a healthy root system. Maintain evenly moist soil while avoiding prolonged waterlogging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce established, China Boy® tolerates occasional dry periods but benefits from supplemental watering during extended summer droughts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen shrubs in early spring if needed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain a layer of organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Keep mulch away from the main stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid excessive fertilization and unnecessary lime applications.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChina Boy® naturally develops a dense, rounded to broadly upright shape and generally requires minimal pruning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf shaping is necessary, prune lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen growing China Boy® as a pollinator, avoid excessive pruning that removes developing flower buds and reduces the amount of pollen available to female hollies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelective pruning can help maintain an attractive form and encourage dense branching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinter Care:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChina Boy® is a cold-hardy evergreen that maintains its foliage throughout winter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn exposed locations, protect young plants from strong, drying winter winds and excessive road salt. Water thoroughly during dry autumn conditions before the ground freezes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA layer of organic mulch helps conserve soil moisture and protect the root zone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePest Prevention:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMonitor periodically for holly leaf miners, scale insects, spider mites, and occasional leaf spot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain proper soil drainage and air circulation. Avoid prolonged soil saturation, which can contribute to root diseases.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePollination Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChina Boy® is a male holly cultivar and does not produce ornamental berries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts primary pollination partner is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChina Girl® Holly (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIlex\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e × ‘Mesog’)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant one healthy China Boy® near several China Girl® plants to encourage dependable red berry production on the female shrubs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChina Boy® should not automatically be considered a reliable pollinator for every female holly cultivar. Flowering periods and genetic compatibility must overlap for successful pollination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hunterdon Tree and Shrub","offers":[{"title":"3 Gallon","offer_id":50737866244336,"sku":"China Boy","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0746\/5680\/9200\/files\/images_4_e99a9736-2edc-42b9-9539-ad1c7b18d9cf.jpg?v=1793909279","url":"https:\/\/hunterdontree.com\/products\/china-boy","provider":"Hunterdon Tree \u0026 Shrub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}