Blue Prince Meserve Holly

Blue Prince Meserve Holly (Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Prince')

Blue Prince Meserve Holly is a hardy, evergreen holly with dark blue green leaves on blue purple stems, forming a dense, upright shrub for specimens, hedges, and privacy screens. As a male clone it does not produce berries, but serves as an excellent pollenizer for female blue hollies.

Distinctive Features

Glossy, blue green foliage holds color through winter on sturdy blue purple stems, creating year round structure and depth in mixed plantings. Cold hardy and wind tolerant once established.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade; best density and color in at least half day sun.
• Soil: Moist, well drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil; avoid waterlogged sites.
• Water: Moderate; keep evenly moist during establishment, then water deeply during extended dry spells.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 7.
• Mature Size: About 10 to 15 ft tall and 7 to 10 ft wide.

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Dense blue green foliage and upright form anchor entries and corners.
• Hedges and Screens: Shears cleanly for a refined, evergreen privacy wall.
• Background Planting: Provides a dark, glossy backdrop for perennials and shrubs.
• Windbreak Edges: Sturdy branching offers filtered protection in sheltered sites.
• Pollination Partner: Pollenizer for female Meserve hollies such as 'Blue Princess'.

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water regularly the first season; in summer droughts provide deep, occasional soaks.
• Pruning: Prune or shear in late winter to early spring for shape and density; light touch maintains natural form.
• Fertilizing: Feed in early spring with an acid-forming, slow release fertilizer if soil tests indicate need.
• Mulching: Apply a 2 inch mulch ring to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch off stems.
• Notes: Male selection does not set berries; pair with a nearby female clone if fruit display on females is desired.

Why Choose Blue Prince Meserve Holly?

• Evergreen Structure: Year round color and screening with minimal fuss.
• Cold Hardy: Reliable performance in colder climates within its range.
• Refined Foliage: Blue green leaves and colored stems add depth and contrast.
• Versatile: Effective as specimen, hedge, or mixed border backdrop.
• Reliable Pollenizer: Supports fruit set on female blue hollies without producing berries itself.

Plant in sun to part shade with moist, well drained acidic soil, maintain a light mulch, and prune in late winter for a dense, polished evergreen screen or specimen.