The Evergreen Shrub That Brings Color And Beauty To A Snowy Winter Garden

When winter approaches, you might wonder which cold-tolerant plants can jazz up your yard or garden even in snowy weather. Well, look no further than 'Castle Spire' (Ilex x meserveae 'Hachfee'). A female clone of 'Castle Spire' blue holly that's known for its year-round visual interest, this durable evergreen boasts glossy, emerald-green foliage and long-lasting red berries that first appear in the fall. It's hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 through 7 and generally easy to maintain. When fully mature, its height maxes out between 6 and 10 feet.

Plant 'Castle Spire' and you'll be partaking in the lush, easy-to-maintain 2026 gardening trend of prioritizing evergreens when landscaping. Since it grows upright and looks so regal, this tough shrub makes a great hedge, border, or even accent plant. 'Castle Spire' is resistant to pests and diseases, too, which will be music to any gardener's ears. Here's what you need to know to successfully grow and care for this plant.

Late winter or early spring is the best time of year to plant 'Castle Spire.' This shrub is a slow-grower — if you're seeking a fast-growing evergreen for your yard, you'll need to look elsewhere. It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, though it's wise to plant it in a spot where it won't get overexposed to harsh, direct light. Also worth noting: You may want to run a DIY test of your soil's pH levels before planting. 'Castle Spire' fares best in moist, acidic soil.

If you want your female 'Castle Spire' to produce those beautiful crimson berries (why wouldn't you?), you'll need to plant a male pollinator nearby. 'Castle Wall' (Ilex × meserveae 'Heckenstar') is a great option that's commonly used for this purpose. Grown together, the former will fruit and attract birds to your yard all throughout fall and winter. 

Though 'Castle Spire' is usually hardy in zone 5, it can get a little finicky here. If you're growing it in this zone, make sure your plant has protection from harsh winter winds, which can damage or topple it. Established 'Castle Spire' doesn't need much maintenance or pruning. Come wintertime, you can apply some mulch near its roots to protect them from the elements, but that's only necessary if it gets very cold in your area. With diligent planting and a little patience, this evergreen will beautify your winter garden for many years to come.