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Cornell University

Species: Ilex x meserveae

(eye'leks me-serv'eye-ee)

Ilex x meserveae

Blue Holly; Meserve Hybrid Holly

Found on Course Walks

Broad-leaved Evergreens

Map of plant locations

(Plant location data may be incomplete)

In Collection(s):

None Listed

Cultivars

Blue Hollies are created from hybridizing other hollies together. Some are I. rugosa x I. aquifolium hybrids; someI. cornuta x I. rugosa hybrids; some are other hybrid altogether. Cultivars vary depending on habit, quantity/quality/color of fruit, and cold-hardiness.

'Blue Angel', 'Blue Boy', 'Blue Girl', 'Blue Maid', 'Blue Prince', 'Blue Princess', 'Blue Stallion', 'China Boy', 'China Girl', 'Dragon Lady', 'Golden Girl', 'Gretchen', 'Honey Maid', 'Little Rascal ', 'Scallywag'

Ornamental Characteristics

Shrub 4 to 8 feet

8' (spread 8' - varies with cultivars)

Evergreen

tolerates cold temperatures

Environmental Characteristics

Full sun, Part shade, Shade

5a

Can tolerate acid to alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0)

dioecious broad-leaved evergreen; best red berries occur when in full sun; glossy, dark green to blue-green foliage

Consistently moist, well-drained soil; Occasional periods of dry soil
See graphic below

Insect Disease

relatively trouble-free

Bare Root Transplanting


Other

hybrid of Ilex rugosa x Ilex aquifolium; not deer resistant

Moisture Tolerance Graphic

Please view this page on a tablet or larger screen for the moisture graph

Moisture Tolerance

Moisture graphic
Occasionally saturated or very wet soil
Consistently moist, well-drained soil
Occasional periods of dry soil
Prolonged periods of dry soil
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