Blue Holly
(Ilex ×meserveae)
Blue Holly (Ilex ×meserveae)
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© Grzegorz Grzejszczak
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
© Grzegorz Grzejszczak
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Grzegorz Grzejszczak | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Uploader: grzegorz_grzejszczak | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ilex × meserveae, commonly known as Blue Holly or Meserve Holly, is an evergreen shrub resulting from a cross between Ilex aquifolium (English Holly) and Ilex rugosa (Japanese Holly). This hybrid is notable for its glossy, blue-green leaves and its ability to withstand colder climates than many other hollies. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 5-10 feet (1.5-3 meters) and a width of 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters). Blue Holly is characterized by its dense, rounded form and spiny, dark blue-green foliage. Small, white flowers appear in spring, followed by bright red berries that persist into winter, providing visual interest and food for birds.
Blue Holly is valued for its attractive foliage and berries, as well as its durability in cold climates. It is commonly used in foundation plantings, hedges, and as a specimen plant in residential landscapes. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium or fast-draining clay, loam, or sandy soils. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively low-maintenance once established. Blue Holly can be susceptible to leaf spot and root rot if grown in poorly drained soils, and it may require protection from deer browsing.CC BY-SA 4.0
Blue Holly is valued for its attractive foliage and berries, as well as its durability in cold climates. It is commonly used in foundation plantings, hedges, and as a specimen plant in residential landscapes. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium or fast-draining clay, loam, or sandy soils. While it requires medium amounts of water, it is relatively low-maintenance once established. Blue Holly can be susceptible to leaf spot and root rot if grown in poorly drained soils, and it may require protection from deer browsing.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 5-10 feet
- Width: 4-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
A hybrid evergreen shrub with blue-green leaves, suitable for cold climates, used for hedges and specimen planting, with moderate growth and maintenance requirements
Other Names
Common Names: Meserve holly
Scientific Names: Ilex ×meserveae , Ilex xmeserveae
GBIF Accepted Name: