Ilex meserv. Little Rascal

Care Guide for Ilex meserv. 'Little Rascal' 

Ilex meserveae 'Little Rascal', commonly known as Little Rascal holly, is a compact evergreen shrub prized for its glossy, dark green foliage and vibrant red berries. This versatile plant is ideal for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet visually striking addition to their landscapes. Below is a comprehensive care guide for Ilex meserveae 'Little Rascal':

Light Requirements:

• Full Sun to Partial Shade: Plant Little Rascal holly in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. It thrives in areas with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Ideal Placement: Place in well-drained soil in a spot where it can receive morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in regions with hot summers.

Watering:

• Regular Watering: Water Little Rascal holly regularly, especially during the first growing season, to establish a strong root system. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry spells.
• Avoid Waterlogging: Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot and other issues.

Soil Requirements:

• Well-Draining Soil: Plant Little Rascal holly in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level.
• Soil Amendment: Incorporate organic matter such as compost or peat moss into the soil at planting to improve drainage and soil structure.

Fertilization:

• Spring Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring before new growth begins.
• Follow Instructions: Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding application rates to avoid over-fertilization, which can cause excessive foliage growth at the expense of berry production.

Pruning:

• Prune Annually: Prune Little Rascal holly in late winter or early spring to shape the shrub and remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
• Berries: If desired, prune female plants lightly after flowering to encourage more abundant berry production.

Pests and Diseases:

• Monitor Regularly: Keep an eye out for common pests such as scale insects, spider mites, and aphids. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
• Preventive Measures: Maintain good airflow around the plant and avoid overcrowding to minimize the risk of fungal diseases such as leaf spot and powdery mildew.

Winter Protection:

• Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around the base of Little Rascal holly in late fall to insulate the roots and conserve soil moisture.
• Anti-Desiccant Spray: Consider applying an anti-desiccant spray to protect the foliage from winter drying and windburn.

Additional Tips:

• Pollination: To ensure abundant berry production, plant both male and female cultivars of Ilex meserveae in proximity to facilitate cross-pollination.
• Container Gardening: Little Rascal holly can also thrive in containers, making it suitable for patio gardens and urban landscapes.

Conclusion:

Ilex meserveae 'Little Rascal' is an excellent choice for garden centres, offering customers a compact, low-maintenance holly shrub with year-round interest. By following the care guide outlined above, gardeners can enjoy the beauty of glossy foliage and bright berries while providing Little Rascal holly with the conditions it needs to thrive in garden settings

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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