This weekend I was out shopping and purchased a couple of Little Rascal Holly (male) bushes.
But, let’s go back to the beginning of things, to talk about my plant needs, my shopping trip and possible choices.
(I believe some of the below plants in this area of the garden center are Cryptomeria Globe DWF plants.)
Garden Shopping Trip
Initially, plant-wise, I wasn’t sure what type of plant or shrub I wanted. I was pretty much open to everything. Ever since my gardening refresh blog, I’ve wanted something to fill in the open spot in my patio garden with something green. The weather has turned wet and cooler, so this is a great time for many types of fall plantings.
My Planting Needs
I want an easy to grow plant that stays green all year long. I, presently, have too many plants that lose their leaves in the fall. I also want a plant that doesn’t need too much much trimming or thinning out. It has to be easy to grow in either shade or sun and stay compact. Plus, the plant has to be small enough, so when fully grown, it doesn’t block out the purple azaleas behind it.
Plant Choices
We asked one of the knowledgeable sales staff at the garden center about possible plant choices. We found out, there actually are quite a few choices including some slow growing plants.
I wanted to see Pugster Blue Miniature Butterfly Bushes but this plant needs some pruning back. I, also, thinks it likes more sun than the location I’m planting it in.
I love the way the below photographed Boxwood Insularis plants grow in a perfect circular shape with little or no pruning needed. These were planted under my front windows and are slow growing.
I presently have five Boxwood Insularis plants out front and absolutely love them. However, I’m looking for something a bit different for my back yard.
Yews English , were also suggested. This is nice, but I don’t think this is what I want. Yews, also, need full sun.
Little Rascal Holly (Male)
So, after some shopping, we found the perfect plants for my garden spot. The Little Rascal Holly (male) is a cold hardy evergreen shrub with dense foliage. The stems turn a deep purple/maroon color during the winter months. Since it is a male plant, it doesn’t have berries. It likes partial to full sun, is low maintenance and compact. It is a slow growing plant only reaching 2 feet high by 3 feet long at full growth. This is a perfect size for my garden.
What I really love about this plant is that the stems turn a purple/maroon color in the winter giving the garden a little color.
Male and Female Holly Plants
Interestingly, holly bushes are dioecious meaning they can be both male and female. If a bush has berries on it, then it is a female plant. Bushes without berries can be male but you need to see the blooms to really tell the difference. Sorry, FMB, doesn’t have more information on this but only looked this up online.
Ending Notes on Little Rascal Holly Blog
I purchased two Little Rascal Holly bushes for approximately $70. each. They were planted according to directions and, so far, look great.
I love the look of their holly leaves and the stems are just beginning to turn a purplish color.
These two plants have helped solve some of the blank space in the garden issue. Now, I need to wait until spring to move about some of the hosta plants I have near that area. Then I can reevaluate things once again.
A big thank you to the Merrifield Garden employee for taking so much time to show us a variety of plants, plus give us information on each plant. It made the selection so much easier.
All the plants posted on today’s blog are from Merrifield Garden Center.
Also, Thank you to Merrifield Garden Center for allowing me to take photographs at your store and post them on my blog.
Happy Fall Planting!
Resource Sites: www.gardeingknowhow.com