Blue Holly

About this plant

Ilex X Meserveae 'Blue Prince', commonly known as Blue Holly, is a distinguished evergreen shrub prized for its exceptional ornamental qualities. Its striking, deep blue-green leaves, with their characteristic spiny margins, provide year-round color and texture to the garden. This male cultivar is primarily grown for its vigorous growth habit and its crucial role in pollinating female Blue Holly varieties, ensuring a bountiful display of bright red berries. 'Blue Prince' forms a dense, upright shrub, making it an excellent choice for hedges, foundation plantings, or as a strong structural element in mixed borders. Its robust nature and attractive foliage make it a versatile plant for both formal and informal garden designs. While 'Blue Prince' does not produce berries itself, its presence is essential for the female 'Blue Princess' or 'Blue Maid' hollies to develop their iconic fruit. Plant them together to enjoy the full beauty of a berry-laden Blue Holly display.

Care & maintenance

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers full sun to partial shade. Protect from harsh winter winds, especially in unsheltered locations. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain desired shape and size. Fertilize annually in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.