{"product_id":"china-girl®","title":"China Girl®","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"layoutA\" id=\"pageSummary\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChina Girl® Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cem\u003e(Ilex × ‘Mesog’) \u003c\/em\u003eis an attractive broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its glossy dark green foliage, dense rounded growth habit, and abundant clusters of brilliant red winter berries. This beautiful hybrid holly combines the traditional appearance of classic evergreen hollies with excellent cold hardiness and improved heat tolerance, making it an outstanding 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 Girl® produces fresh green growth along its densely branched framework. Its thick, leathery leaves feature a rich, glossy surface and distinctive spiny margins, creating an attractive evergreen texture. Small white flowers emerge in late spring, attracting bees and other beneficial pollinators. When pollinated by a compatible male holly, these flowers develop into ornamental berries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThroughout summer, China Girl® maintains its deep green foliage and develops a dense, broadly rounded growth habit. Its naturally full appearance makes it particularly desirable for foundation beds, mixed shrub borders, and evergreen hedges. The polished foliage also provides a beautiful backdrop for flowering shrubs, ornamental grasses, and colorful perennials.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs autumn approaches, the developing berries mature into brilliant red fruits that contrast beautifully against the dark evergreen leaves. These colorful berries often persist well into winter, creating exceptional seasonal interest and providing a potential food source for birds. The combination of glossy foliage and vibrant berries makes China Girl® especially attractive during the holiday season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChina Girl® naturally develops a dense, rounded to broadly upright form and responds well to pruning when a more formal shape is desired. Its moderate to substantial mature size makes it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, informal privacy screens, and larger mixed landscape beds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhether planted individually as a specimen, grouped into an evergreen hedge, or paired with China Boy® Holly for dependable berry production, China Girl® provides an elegant combination of year-round evergreen structure, attractive foliage, and beautiful winter color.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMore About China Girl® 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\u003eFemale Cultivar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbundant Brilliant Red Winter Berries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRequires a Compatible Male Pollinator\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\u003eDense, Rounded to Broadly Upright Growth Habit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive Spiny Evergreen Leaves\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 Four-Season 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\u003eAttracts Bees and Beneficial Pollinators\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvides Winter Food 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\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 Specimen or Accent Shrub\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, Slightly Acidic 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\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Companion for China Boy® Holly\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 6–10 Feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpread:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 4–8 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, Female Holly, Winter Berries, Cold Hardy, Bird Friendly, Pollinator Friendly, 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 Brilliant Red, When Pollinated\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 Girl® performs best where its roots receive consistent moisture without prolonged saturation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull sun generally encourages denser growth and more abundant berry production.\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\u003ePlant a compatible male holly, preferably China Boy®, nearby to encourage dependable pollination.\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 without allowing water to collect around the roots.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce established, China Girl® 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 acid-loving 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 unnecessary lime applications that may raise soil pH and contribute to yellowing foliage.\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 Girl® 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. Keep in mind that pruning may remove flowering wood or ornamental berries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid excessive shearing, which can reduce berry production and diminish the shrub's naturally attractive form.\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 Girl® is a cold-hardy evergreen that maintains its foliage throughout winter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant in locations protected from strong, drying winter winds whenever possible. 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 encourage 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 Girl® is a female holly cultivar and requires a compatible male holly for reliable berry production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChina Boy® 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 × ‘Mesdob’)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is the recommended pollinator because its flowering period overlaps with China Girl®.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant a compatible male nearby, ideally within approximately 50 feet, to encourage dependable pollination. One healthy male plant can generally pollinate several female China Girl® Hollies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOther male hybrid hollies may provide pollen when flowering periods overlap, but China Boy® is the preferred pairing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWildlife and Safety:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe bright red berries provide seasonal food for birds. Holly berries are not edible for people and may cause gastrointestinal illness if consumed. Keep berries away from young children and pets.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hunterdon Tree and Shrub","offers":[{"title":"3 Gallon","offer_id":50737877385456,"sku":"China Girl","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0746\/5680\/9200\/files\/images_5_4c7e107e-6f5b-474f-b7e0-89200070672e.jpg?v=1793910135","url":"https:\/\/hunterdontree.com\/products\/china-girl%c2%ae","provider":"Hunterdon Tree \u0026 Shrub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}