Blue Princess Holly

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, shear annually to shape. Pruning time: winter.

This Holly's unique, blue green foliage and purple stems create a lovely backdrop for white and silver colored plants. Plant as a single specimen or line it up for a reliably dense hedge. Bright red berries look gorgeous under snowfall . Use to soften unsightly corners of fences or buildings, or plant at the back of shrub and perennial borders for reliable year-round foliage. Leave unsheared to attain full height and width for screens or to disguise utilities.

Plant a Blue Prince Holly to act as pollenizer for Blue Princess. The blue green foliage pairs well with the purple or silver foliage of Cotinus, Barberry, Dead Nettle, and Lilyturf. Add additional interest to the winter landscape, and highlight the berries of Blue Princess, with the red bark of select Dogwood and Weeping Cherry.

I. x meserveae were originally bred by Mrs. Leighton Meserve of New York by using two species, I. rugosa, a cold hardy, Japanese spreading Holly, and I. aquifolium, a European tree holly that produces an abundance of berries. Holly berries are mildly toxic and will cause vomiting and diarrhea if eaten by humans. They are an extremely valuable food source to birds and other animals.