3-Gal 18-24" Blue Princess Holly- Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Princess'
Showy, bright red berries on purple stems embellish the dense, blue-green foliage from fall through winter. Partner with a male blue holly pollenizer such as Blue Prince for a prolific berry set. An excellent hedge plant or foundation shrub. Evergreen.
| Botanical Pronunciation | I-leks MESS-erv-ay |
|---|---|
| Average Size at Maturity | Moderate growing; reaches 8 to 10 ft. tall, 6 to 8 ft. wide. |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Design Ideas | This Holly's unique, blue green foliage and purple stems create a lovely backdrop for white and silver colored plants. Plant as a single specimen or line it up for a reliably dense hedge. Bright red berries look gorgeous under snowfall . Use to soften unsightly corners of fences or buildings, or plant at the back of shrub and perennial borders for reliable year-round foliage. Leave unsheared to attain full height and width for screens or to disguise utilities. |
| Deciduous/ Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flower Color | White |
| Foliage Color | Blue-green |
| Garden Style | Asian/Zen, Contemporary, Cottage, Mediterranean, Rustic |
| Growth Habit | Erect |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Landscape Use | Barrier, Border, Hedge, Mass Planting, Privacy Screen, Specimen, Woodland Garden, Wildlife Garden, Urban Garden |
| Light Needs | Full sun, Partial sun |
| Soil Needs | Tree & Shrub Food |
| Special Feature | Easy Care, Fruit Poisonous, Ornamental Berries, Tolerates Acidic Soil, Year-round Interest, Bird Friendly |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Watering Needs | Water regularly - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. |
| Key Feature | Highly Ornamental Berries |
CARE
Thrives in organically rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but highly adaptable. Water deeply, regularly in the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Apply a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, prune annually to shape.