Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Boy' (Blue Boy Holly)


Michael's Opinion

The Ontario attempts to grow a decent holly are not redeemed here. Blue Boy a necessary partner to Blue Girl if one wants the fruit on pathetic plants should be the only reason to plant it. I have yet to see a decent specimen in an Ontario garden.

Botanical Information

FamilyAquifoliaceae
GenusIlex
Speciesx meserveae
Cultivar'Blue Boy'
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (evergreen)
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone 4a-9b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-34
Temperature (°F)-30-(-35)
Height2.5 m
Spread1.5 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodApril

Description and Growing Information

ShapeIt is usually upright and vased shape, open spreading to rounded and it may be sheared.
LandscapeIt can be used for mass plantings, attracting wildlife (birds), barriers, evergreen foliage and hedges.
PropagationRooted stem cuttings.
CultivationShade and well drained soils.
PestsThere are very few pests or diseases but winter leaf burn can occur in the northern climates and summer heat stress can happen in the southern areas.
HabitatHorticultural origin.
Bark/Stem DescriptionYoung bark is purplish and when mature it is green.
Leaf DescriptionMedium sized broadleaf.
Flower DescriptionThe male flower has yellowish stamens with white petals.
Fruit DescriptionIlex is dioecious with the drupe formation needing a nearby male plant, no fruit are produced on male forms.
Colour DescriptionIn the autumn in colour is green and in the winter the colour will turn slightly purple.
Texture DescriptionMedium and bold, also depending on shearing where it could have an average to thick density.

Photographs