Horstmann Mini Holly - Ilex x meserveae

Quite possibly the cutest holly EVER. Commonly called 'Blue Hollies,' the Horstmann Mini Holly is a slow-growing little tree which makes it perfect for miniature gardening. But, look a little closer at close-up photos of those twisty, contorted leaves with the tiny holly-spines that shine along the branches - the texture is just awesome. 

It'll produce tiny white flowers in the summer if it's happy. 

Make sure you have the proper climate for it:

**Add an extra handful of vermiculite or perlite to your potting soil if growing this in a container. It requires well-drained, acidic soil (regular potting soil is usually slightly acidic already) which means it doesn't like a lot of moisture around its roots - but don't let the soil dry out completely. It has a shallow root base so you can use mulch, just keep it away from the plant's little trunk to prevent rot. 

**Cold hardy to Zone 5 or -20F (-29C) - they are apparently bred to tolerate harsh, winters but struggle in the prolonged summer heat. 

**NOT that heat hardy - Heat zone 8 or lower - 

Rare. Limit 2 per customer.

• Textured leaves are to scale
• Grows 2" to 4" per year

• Produces tiny white flowers in the summer
• Followed by green berries
• Can be pruned lightly to keep its shape

• Growth rate: Less than 1"/yr
• Zones 5 - 9 or hardy to -20F
• Shelter from winter winds
• Heat zones 8 - 7

• Full (cool) sun to part shade
• Regular water - it has a shallow root base, check soil often
• Fertilize after 2 years if planted in a container
  
  
• Pot shown is 4” wide
• An outdoor plant

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