Pharos Gold Blue Holly

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

5 - 6 Feet

Mature Spread

5 - 6 Feet

Growing Zones

5 to 7

Pharos Gold™ Blue Holly provides evergreen structure in a fresh gold-green color that stands out in every season. Ilex x meserveae 'David Carroll' grows about 5 to 6 feet tall and wide, forming an upright shrub with glossy foliage that emerges yellow to lime green before deepening with age. These female plants produce red berries in fall when a compatible male blue holly is planted nearby for pollination, such as Castle Wall Blue Holly or Blue Prince Holly. One male can pollinate several female blue hollies when planted within pollinator range.

This Proven Winners® ColorChoice® selection was formerly sold as Castle Gold™ Blue Holly and is now known as Pharos Gold™ Blue Holly. Meserve hollies were bred for improved cold hardiness, combining classic holly foliage with better performance in northern gardens. Small spring flowers attract bees, while the red berries can draw songbirds later in the season. Plant it as a hedge, specimen, foundation shrub, mass planting, winter garden accent, or mixed evergreen screen with one compatible male holly nearby for fruit set. 

Pharos Gold™ Blue Holly Care

Plant Pharos Gold™ Blue Holly in part sun to full sun, with several hours of direct light supporting the best foliage color and berry production. It grows best in moist, well-drained soil with good organic content. Slightly acidic soil is preferred, and high-pH soil may lead to yellowing that is different from the plant’s natural gold new growth.

Water thoroughly after planting, and do not let the root zone dry out as the shrub establishes. Mature plants prefer average moisture and benefit from irrigation during long rainless periods, especially before winter in cold climates. Fertilize in early spring with a slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving shrubs or broadleaf evergreens. Mulch 2 to 3 inches deep around the root zone to conserve moisture, leaving space around the stems.

Prune Pharos Gold™ Blue Holly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, or trim lightly after spring flowering if shaping is needed. Avoid late-season pruning, since it can remove developing flower buds and reduce berry production. Protect plants from harsh winter wind and reflected winter sun in exposed Zone 5 sites.

Pharos Gold™ Blue Holly Spacing

Space Pharos Gold™ Blue Holly 5 to 6 feet apart for a hedge, screen, or mass planting. Allow 6 to 8 feet between plants when each shrub should mature as a separate rounded specimen. For containers, choose a pot at least 20 to 24 inches wide with drainage holes, and keep the potting mix evenly moist but never waterlogged.

In evergreen foundation beds, plant Pharos Gold™ Blue Holly with yew shrubs and boxwoods for layered winter structure in similar well-drained soil. Ferns can fill part-shade areas beneath or beside the holly if steady moisture is available. For containers, use pansies or alyssum around the base for seasonal color that sits below the glossy gold-green foliage.

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