Ilex × meserveae ‘Blue Princess’
Overview
Uses: Hedges, screens, foundation plantings, and winter berry displays.
Benefits: One of the heaviest-fruiting blue hollies, with glossy, spiny, blue-green evergreen leaves on purple stems. With a male holly such as Blue Prince planted nearby, it covers itself in bright red berries that last into winter and feed birds.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5–8
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub
Growth Habit: Pyramidal, Upright — dense and bushy.
Foliage Color: Glossy Dark Green with a blue sheen
Mature Height: 10–12 feet
Mature Width: 8–10 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
When you want a holly that is covered in red berries all winter, this is the one to plant.
Blue Princess is a female blue holly known for an especially heavy berry set. With a male such as Blue Prince growing nearby, it fills with glossy red fruit in fall, and the berries often stay on through the holidays and well into winter, standing out against the dark foliage and purple stems.
The leaves are the classic holly shape, spiny and highly polished, with the cool blue-green cast that gives the blue hollies their name. The group was bred on Long Island from English holly and the cold-tolerant prostrate holly, so it delivers that traditional look in gardens where English holly would struggle through winter.
Blue Princess grows into a broad, upright pyramid about ten to twelve feet tall and eight to ten feet wide, larger than many blue hollies. That size makes it a strong choice for an evergreen screen or the back of a deep border, where its winter berries can be seen from the house.
Care
Blue Princess Holly Care
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Full sun produces the densest plant and the heaviest berry crop.
Choose moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with some organic matter. Blue hollies dislike soggy ground, and in strongly alkaline soil the leaves can turn yellowish.
Water deeply once or twice a week through the first year. Evergreens keep losing moisture through their leaves all winter, so a thorough watering in late fall and a two-to-three-inch layer of mulch help carry the plant through cold weather.
In the colder part of its range, plant where it is shielded from strong winter wind and harsh afternoon winter sun, which can brown the leaves. In early spring, apply a slow release fertilizer, ideally one made for acid-loving plants.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Light shaping keeps a natural pyramid; heavier shearing makes a formal hedge, though it removes some of the next crop of berries.
Size
What Size is the Blue Princess Holly for Sale Online?
Our Blue Princess Holly ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and is appropriately sized for its container at the time of shipment. If you have specific sizing or planting questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Blue Princess Holly Grow?
Expect about 10 to 12 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide at maturity, in a broad, upright pyramid. For a screen, space plants about 6 to 7 feet apart; as a specimen, give it at least 10 feet of room.
Additional Information
What are some common names for this plant?
It is commonly called blue holly or Meserve holly, a name that honors the breeder of the first blue hollies.
Do I need a male holly for berries?
Yes. Only female hollies bear fruit, and they need pollen from a male. Plant a male blue holly such as Blue Prince within about 30 to 40 feet; one male can serve several females. Without a male nearby, Blue Princess still makes a handsome evergreen, just without berries.
How is Blue Princess different from Blue Girl?
Both are female blue hollies with red berries. Blue Princess is valued for a heavier berry set and grows somewhat larger, to about 10 to 12 feet, while Blue Girl stays closer to 8 to 10 feet. Both can share the same male pollinator. Browse more Evergreen Plants.
Is it a good choice for a privacy screen?
Yes. Its broad, dense habit and spiny leaves block views year-round, and a row planted with a male mixed in gives you privacy and winter berries together. For more screening plants, see our Privacy Trees & Shrubs.
