Michigan State University Extension
Ornamental Plants plus Version 3.0 - 00000763
11/12/99

Ilex x meserveae--Blue Holly


Hardiness Zones: 5 to 7
Height: 8-12 ft Spread: 8-12 ft Form: rounded
Type: broad-leaved evergreen shrub
Annual Growth Rate: 12 to 18 inches
Fruits: Red, yellow

Comments: The Blue Hollies are so named because the dark
green foliage has a blue overcast. The bark on young
twigs is purplish. Many male and female cultivars are
available and both must be grown in order to obtain fruit
(Vis. 2) production on the females. Although the plants are
fairly hardy, foliage can still be injured during severe
winters in northern areas.

Cultivars:
'Blue Boy' (Plant Patent 2435) - A male form suitable for
use as a pollinator.
'Blue Girl' (Plant Patent 2434) - A 15-foot tall female
plant.
Blue Prince(R) (Plant Patent 3517) - A compact, pyramidal
growth habit that reaches a height and spread of about
12 feet. Male.
Blue Princess(R) (Plant Patent 3675) - Female with a
broad upright habit and a 12 foot height and spread.
Abundant (Vis. 1) red fruit.
Ebony Magic TM - A pyramidal plant reaching a height of
15 feet and a spread of 8 feet. The branches have a
bluish-black coloration. The fruits are orange-red.
'Mesan' (Blue Stallion(R))(Plant Patent 4804) - A very
vigorous male cultivar reaching a height of 16 feet and
a 12 foot spread.
'Mesdob' (China Boy(R))(Plant Patent 4803) - A vigorous,
10-foot, dense male cultivar.
'Mesgolg' (Golden Girl(R))(Plant Patent 7652) - A female
cultivar producing yellow fruit (Vis. 3) and forming a
broad pyramid 12 to 15 feet tall.
'Mesid' (Blue Maid(R))(Plant Patent 4685) - A female
cultivar that forms a broad pyramid and reaches a
height of about 12 feet. Heavy production of large red
berries (Vis. 4).
'Mesog' (China Girl(R))(Plant Patent 4878) - A female
cultivar with a rounded form and abundant red fruit.
'Mondo' (Little Rascal TM) - A dwarf reaching a height
and spread of 5 feet. The foliage becomes purplish
in cold weather.

References for Cultivars: Ray Wiegand's Nursery 1999, Lake
County Nursery 1999, Weston Nurseries 1999, Princeton
Nurseries 1999, Spring Meadow Nursery 1999, Monrovia
Nursery Company 1997, Wayside Gardens 1999, Sheridan
Nurseries 1999, Studebaker Nurseries 1999, Bailey Nurseries
1999, Berryhill Nurseries 1999, Scarff's Nursery 1999, Gee
Farms 1999, Midwest Groundcovers 1999, Willoway Nurseries
1999.


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