Holly, Blue Prince #3
Blue Prince Holly
Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Prince'
Height: Typically 6–8 feet tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
Spread: Approximately 3–4 feet wide
Spacing: Plant 3–4 feet apart for a refined, cohesive hedge or specimen display
Growth Rate: Medium, slow to steady
Description
Blue Prince Holly is a stunning, evergreen shrub that brings a polished statement to any landscape. With its gorgeous dark blue-green, spiny-toothed leaves set on attractive blue-purple stems, this hardy holly delivers year-round interest—even in Michigan’s cooler winters. Although it does not produce fruit, its primary role as an excellent pollinator for nearby female hollies ensures your landscape is enhanced by brilliant red berries in the fall. Its naturally compact, rounded habit makes it ideal for hedging, screening, or as a standout accent in mixed plantings and containers.
General Care
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial sun; aim for at least 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils enriched with organic matter.
- Watering: Provide regular, deep watering for young plants to establish a robust root system; mature plants need supplemental moisture during extended dry periods.
- Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature.
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and maintain a neat, open form without over-shearing the natural structure.
Enjoy the elegant, evergreen beauty of Blue Prince Holly as it enhances your landscape with its striking foliage and timeless appeal.
