Holly, Blue Princess #3
Blue Princess Holly
Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Princess'
Height: Typically 8–10 feet tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
Spread: Approximately 6–8 feet wide
Spacing: Plant 6–8 feet apart for an attractive, dense landscape display
Growth Rate: Moderate
Description
Blue Princess Holly is a striking evergreen shrub that brings year-round interest to your landscape with its glossy blue-green foliage, elegant purple stems, and brilliant red berries in the fall and winter. Perfectly suited for Michigan’s cooler climate, this compact holly creates a refined yet robust screen or accent. It thrives in full sun to partial sun, requiring a minimum of 4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily, and adapts well to well-drained, slightly acidic soils. The subtle white spring blooms attract pollinators, ensuring a bountiful berry set when paired with a male pollinator such as Blue Prince Holly.
General Care
- Sunlight: Thrives in full to partial sun; at least 4–6 hours of direct light per day
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.0–6.5) enriched with organic matter
- Watering: Regular watering during the first growing season to establish deep roots; mature plants benefit from supplemental moisture during prolonged dry periods
- Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch to conserve soil moisture and moderate temperature fluctuations
- Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches; avoid excessive pruning on old wood to ensure berry production
Blue Princess Holly is deer resistant and makes an excellent choice for hedges, privacy screens, or as a focal point in mixed shrub plantings. The red berries add a delightful splash of color and are mildly tart if you choose to use them in culinary applications. For optimum fruiting, ensure a compatible male holly is planted nearby to facilitate pollination.
