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‘Blue Prince’

Holly - Blue

Ilex x meserveae

'Blue Prince'

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Evergreen
Hardy
Shade tolerant

Description: A handsome evergreen shrub, ‘Blue Prince’ blue holly provides year-round interest in the garden. With dark blue-green foliage and purple stems, ‘Blue Prince’ Ilex x meserveae is attractive on its own but is commonly used as the male pollinator for 'Blue Princess' and other female blue hollies. Small white flowers appear in spring and, while pretty inconspicuous, attract pollinators. This easy-care blue holly (Meserve holly) is a classic choice for hedges, screens, or as a specimen.

USDA Zone: 5 - 7 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure: Full sun, Part sun
Height: 5 - 6'
Width: 5 - 6'
Finish Time: 1.5 seasons
Type: Evergreen
Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Color: White
Foliage Color: Green
Liner Sizes: 2 1/4", 4"

General Care

Soil

Prefers moist, acidic soils. Shallow root system benefits from mulch.

Pruning

Blooms on old wood; however, it's best to avoid pruning female hollies as pruning after bloom removes any developing fruit.

Uses

Hedges; screens; specimen; landscaping.

Growing Tips

Plant a male pollinator within 50' to ensure pollination; one male will pollinate up to 7 females. To minimize winter damage to the evergreen foliage, provide late-season irrigation if necessary and site so that plant is protected from harsh winds and sun.

Features: Evergreen, Winter interest, Attracts pollinators, Clay soil

Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Blue, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage