Ilex x meserveae (Meserve Holly)
Botanical Information
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
| Genus | Ilex |
| Species | x meserveae |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | Mrs. F. Leighton Meserve of St. James, New York, United States of America produced a series of initial hybrids beginning ini 1964 which were introduced through the Conard-Pyle Nursery in New York state. Blue Prince was introduced in 1972 while Blue Princess was released in 1973 and results in a cross selected from I. rugosa x I. aquifolium. |
| Pronunciation |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 5 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 6a |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H7 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 2.5-3.5 m |
| Growth | Slow |
| Flowering Period | April |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Pyramidal or rounded |
| Propagation | Propagated exclusively by cuttings. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Green, turning brown with great age. |
| Leaf Description | Very dark glossy blue-green leaves, 4-6 cm long and 2.5-4 cm wide, turning slightly purple in winter. Margins with rather closely spaced spines. |
| Flower Description | Dioecious, small white flowers. |
| Fruit Description | Bright red shiny fruit, 8 mm, produced by female plants. |
Photographs
Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Prince'