Species

Ilex x meserveaeBlue Holly

12 other cultivars

shrub

Honeymaid Meserve Holly

Ilex x meserveae 'Honeymaid'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex x meserveae, or Meserve Holly, is a group of hybrids known for their glossy, spiny, blue-green foliage and excellent cold hardiness. They typically have a dense, shrubby habit.

'Honeymaid' is a distinctive female cultivar with beautiful variegated leaves, featuring creamy-yellow margins around a blue-green center. It produces bright red berries when pollinated by a male Meserve holly.

Uses & Benefits:

The striking variegated foliage of 'Honeymaid' provides year-round color and interest, brightening up the landscape even in winter. When paired with a pollinator, the bright red berries contrast beautifully with the leaves.

It can be used to create a stunning, impenetrable hedge that is both beautiful and functional for privacy. The spiny leaves make it an effective deer deterrent.

The berries produced are a valuable food source for birds during the winter months. The dense evergreen foliage also provides important shelter and nesting sites for birds.

SpeciesIlex x meserveaeBlue Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

108 inches

Width

78 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Hybrid origin

Toxicity

Berries are toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with morning sun and afternoon shade.
Ensure soil is acidic and well-drained; amend if necessary.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Plant a male pollinator like 'Blue Prince' within 50 feet.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
Water thoroughly and apply a layer of mulch.

Pro Tip

Site in a location protected from winter sun and wind to prevent the variegated leaf margins from scorching.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Maintain consistent moisture, do not let the soil dry out.
Use an acidic mulch like pine bark or compost.
Prune to encourage dense growth and maintain a desirable shape.
Provide winter protection in colder climates.

Don't

Don't plant in alkaline soil, which can cause poor growth.
Avoid planting in exposed, windy locations.
Don't forget to plant a male pollinator if you want berries.
Avoid letting the plant get drought-stressed, which can damage foliage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Eye-catching variegated specimenBright and colorful privacy hedgeWinter interest garden accent

Companion Plants

Rhododendron Hosta 'June'Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola'Pieris japonica Buxus sempervirens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Honeymaid Meserve Holly questions

What zones can Honeymaid Meserve Holly grow in?

Honeymaid Meserve Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Honeymaid Meserve Holly deer resistant?

Yes — Honeymaid Meserve Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Honeymaid Meserve Holly bloom?

Honeymaid Meserve Holly typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Honeymaid Meserve Holly need full sun?

Honeymaid Meserve Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.