Blue Princess Holly
Ilex meserveae 'Blue Princess'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
144 inches
Width
96 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Long-lived evergreen shrub
Native To
Hybrid Origin
Toxicity
Berries are toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Ilex x meserveae, or blue holly, is a group of hybrid evergreen hollies known for their glossy, spiny, blue-green leaves and excellent cold hardiness. 'Blue Princess' is a prized female cultivar celebrated for its abundant crop of bright red berries that persist through winter, providing striking color against its dark, purplish-green foliage.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with acidic, moist, but well-drained soil.
- Ensure a male pollinator like 'Blue Prince' is planted nearby.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
- Backfill with amended soil and water thoroughly.
- Mulch with pine straw or shredded bark to conserve moisture.
Pro Tip
Plant one 'Blue Prince' holly for every 3-5 'Blue Princess' plants to ensure adequate pollination and a heavy berry set.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Maintain consistently moist soil, especially in hot weather.
- Protect from harsh winter winds to prevent leaf scorch.
- Test soil pH and amend if necessary to keep it acidic.
- Prune to maintain a desirable shape and size.
Don't
- Do not plant in alkaline or poorly drained soils.
- Avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
- Don't forget to plant a male pollinator if you want berries.
- Avoid pruning after new growth has started if you want flowers and berries.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blue Princess Holly questions
What zones can Blue Princess Holly grow in?
Blue Princess Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Blue Princess Holly deer resistant?
Yes — Blue Princess Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blue Princess Holly bloom?
Blue Princess Holly typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blue Princess Holly need full sun?
Blue Princess Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Ilex to compare
Gem Box Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'Gem Box'
Sky Pencil Holly
Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
Dwarf Pagoda Holly
Ilex crenata 'Dwarf Pagoda'
Mr Poppins Holly
Ilex x meserveae 'Mr Poppins'
Blue Holly Berry Poppins
Ilex x meserveae 'Berry Poppins'
Blue Prince Holly Blue Princess Holly
Ilex x meservae 'Blue Prince Princess'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Blue Princess Holly with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
