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Ilex X meserveae  (Blue holly)

Ilex X meserveae Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Ilex X meserveae  EYE-leks ex mez-ERV-ee-ay Common Name: Blue holly Genus: Ilex
Blue holly, so named for the glossy blue-green leaves, is a dense, vigorous shrub that can reach 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Insignificant flowers bloom in late spring. Female plants have glossy red fruit. There are many cultivars available.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Blue holly is a cross of I. rugosa and I. aquifolium.
 Care: Provide full sun to part shade and moist but well-drained soil. Thinning and formal shaping can occur throughout the life of the plant.
 Propagation: Take cuttings in summer or early fall.
 Problems: Aphids may attack new growth. Also watch for scale insects and leaf miners.
Height 10 ft. to 15 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Growth Pace Fast Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Showy Foliage; Showy Fruit
Bloom Time Late Spring
Foliage Color Evergreen
Flower Color White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Screening, Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style Formal Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Spring Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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