Blue Holly (Ilex × meserveae)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun to partial shade
• Best berry production and foliage color in full sun
• Tolerates some shade but may reduce flowering and fruiting

Bloom Time:

• Late spring
• Small, white flowers
• Female plants require a nearby male for pollination and berry production

Size:

Height: 6 to 10 feet (varies by cultivar)
Width: 5 to 8 feet

Attributes:

• Evergreen with glossy, blue-green, spiny leaves
• Bright red berries on female plants
• Cold-hardy and deer-resistant
• Excellent for hedges, screens, and winter gardens
• Attracts birds and pollinators

Care Tips:

• Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil
• Water regularly during establishment
• Mulch to retain moisture and protect roots
• Prune in late winter or early spring to shape
• Plant a male cultivar (e.g., ‘Blue Prince’) near female (e.g., ‘Blue Princess’) for berries

Pest Watch:

• Generally pest- and disease-resistant
• Monitor for leaf spot, scale, and spider mites