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Blue Boy Holly
Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Boy'
Pronunciation: I-leks MESS-erv-ay
SKU #04508
LIGHT:
Full sun, Partial sun
WATER:
Water when top 2 inches of soil is dry.
SIZE:
Moderate growing; reaches 6 to 8 ft. tall, 3 to 6 ft. wide.
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| Description | A handsome shrub with glossy, deep blue-green leaves and purple stems. Ideal as a landscape accent, or planted in groups as a dense hedge or screen. The x meserveae species is the hardiest of the hollies. An excellent pollenizer for Blue Girl Holly; this male holly pollenizer will not produce berries. Evergreen. |
|---|---|
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Special Features | Easy Care, Pollenizer |
| Problems/Solutions | Rabbit Resistant |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Patent Act | Asexual reproduction of plants protected by the Plant Patent Act is prohibited during the life of the patent. |
| Landscape Use | Barrier, Border, Hedge, Privacy Screen, Accent |
| Design Ideas | This Holly's foliage makes a perfect backdrop for light-colored plants. Plant as single specimen (gorgeous under snowfall) or line it up for a reliably dense hedge. 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. |
| Flower Color | White |
| Foliage Color | Blue-green |
| Companion Plants | Lily of the Valley (Pieris); Magnolia (Magnolia); Rhododendron (Rhododendron); Hydrangea (Hydrangea); Mountain Laurel (Kalmia) |
| Care Instructions | Thrives in organically rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but highly adaptable. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, prune annually to shape. |
| History | The I. meserveae hybrids were recently defeloped in New York during the 1960s. Breeders south to increase cold hardiness and improve visual appeal through blending many holly species, especially those from Japan. The most well known parent is is English holly, I. aquifolium. Asian ancestry is from I. integra and I creanta. This is the pollenizer for 'Blue Girl'. |
| Lore | Holly was always considered a mystical plant in ancient Europe because it was a rare broadleaf that retained its foliage through winter. It came to represent the spirit of the vegetation and thus was common to cut for the winter solstice, hence our holiday decorating traditions. |
Details
| Description | A handsome shrub with glossy, deep blue-green leaves and purple stems. Ideal as a landscape accent, or planted in groups as a dense hedge or screen. The x meserveae species is the hardiest of the hollies. An excellent pollenizer for Blue Girl Holly; this male holly pollenizer will not produce berries. Evergreen. |
|---|---|
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Special Features | Easy Care, Pollenizer |
| Problems/Solutions | Rabbit Resistant |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Growth Habit | Upright |
| Patent Act | Asexual reproduction of plants protected by the Plant Patent Act is prohibited during the life of the patent. |
Style
| Landscape Use | Barrier, Border, Hedge, Privacy Screen, Accent |
|---|---|
| Design Ideas | This Holly's foliage makes a perfect backdrop for light-colored plants. Plant as single specimen (gorgeous under snowfall) or line it up for a reliably dense hedge. 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. |
| Flower Color | White |
| Foliage Color | Blue-green |
| Companion Plants | Lily of the Valley (Pieris); Magnolia (Magnolia); Rhododendron (Rhododendron); Hydrangea (Hydrangea); Mountain Laurel (Kalmia) |
Care
| Care Instructions | Thrives in organically rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but highly adaptable. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, prune annually to shape. |
|---|
History
| History | The I. meserveae hybrids were recently defeloped in New York during the 1960s. Breeders south to increase cold hardiness and improve visual appeal through blending many holly species, especially those from Japan. The most well known parent is is English holly, I. aquifolium. Asian ancestry is from I. integra and I creanta. This is the pollenizer for 'Blue Girl'. |
|---|---|
| Lore | Holly was always considered a mystical plant in ancient Europe because it was a rare broadleaf that retained its foliage through winter. It came to represent the spirit of the vegetation and thus was common to cut for the winter solstice, hence our holiday decorating traditions. |
Frequently asked questions
Does Blue Boy Holly produce flowers?
Spring
Is Blue Boy Holly evergreen or deciduous?
Blue Boy Holly is Evergreen.
What are the special features of Blue Boy Holly?
Blue Boy Holly is Easy Care, Pollenizer.
Is Blue Boy Holly resistant to pests or animals?
Rabbit Resistant
How fast does Blue Boy Holly grow?
Blue Boy Holly has a Moderate growth rate.
What is the growth habit of Blue Boy Holly?
Blue Boy Holly grows in an Upright habit.
Where can I use Blue Boy Holly in my landscape?
Blue Boy Holly is suitable for: Barrier, Border, Hedge, Privacy Screen, Accent.
How can I use Blue Boy Holly in my garden design?
This Holly's foliage makes a perfect backdrop for light-colored plants. Plant as single specimen (gorgeous under snowfall) or line it up for a reliably dense hedge. 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.
What color are Blue Boy Holly flowers?
Blue Boy Holly produces White flowers.
What color is the foliage of Blue Boy Holly?
Blue Boy Holly has Blue-green foliage.
What plants grow well with Blue Boy Holly?
Good companion plants for Blue Boy Holly include: Lily of the Valley (Pieris); Magnolia (Magnolia); Rhododendron (Rhododendron); Hydrangea (Hydrangea); Mountain Laurel (Kalmia).
How do I care for Blue Boy Holly?
Thrives in organically rich, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils, but highly adaptable. Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish an extensive root system. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. For a tidy, neat appearance, prune annually to shape.
What is the history of Blue Boy Holly?
The I. meserveae hybrids were recently defeloped in New York during the 1960s. Breeders south to increase cold hardiness and improve visual appeal through blending many holly species, especially those from Japan. The most well known parent is is English holly, I. aquifolium. Asian ancestry is from I. integra and I creanta. This is the pollenizer for 'Blue Girl'.
Retailers Near You
No Retailers found within 100 miles of your zipcode
About Us
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.