Description
Ilex x meserveae ‘Centennial Dragon’ is a striking evergreen holly hybrid renowned for its dense, upright growth habit and vibrant foliage. This cultivar, developed by the Meserve Hybrid Holly program, is a cross between Ilex aquifolium and Ilex latifolia, combining the best traits of both parents to create a hardy, disease-resistant shrub well-suited for a variety of landscape uses. ‘Centennial Dragon’ is particularly noted for its glossy, dark green leaves that are spiny and deeply serrated, providing excellent winter interest and serving as a natural privacy screen or windbreak. In addition to its ornamental value, this holly produces bright red berries that attract birds, enhancing its ecological benefits. Its resilience to cold temperatures and adaptability to different soil conditions make it a reliable choice for gardeners in temperate climates. The Meserve hybrid hollies, including ‘Centennial Dragon,’ have been recognized for their durability and ornamental appeal, solidifying their status among the premier evergreen shrubs for landscape architecture.