Blue Princess Holly
Ilex × meserveae ‘Blue Princess’Blue Princess Holly is a dense evergreen shrub prized for its glossy blue-green foliage, bright red berries, and exceptional cold hardiness. This classic broadleaf holly forms a vigorous upright habit with richly colored spiny leaves that maintain strong year-round interest in the landscape. In fall and winter, female plants produce abundant clusters of vivid red berries when pollinated by a compatible male holly such as Blue Prince Holly, creating a striking seasonal contrast against the dark evergreen foliage.
This evergreen shrub typically reaches 8 to 12 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide with a naturally dense branching habit that works beautifully for screening, hedges, and foundation plantings. The leathery foliage carries a distinctive blue-green cast that gives the plant added ornamental appeal even when berries are absent.
Blue Princess Holly is especially valued for its excellent winter performance and reliable berry production. The bright berries provide ornamental winter interest and also attract birds to the landscape during colder months. Its dense evergreen habit offers strong structure and privacy throughout the year while tolerating pruning well for more formal shaping if desired.
This holly thrives in full sun to part sun with moist, well-drained soil. Once established, it performs reliably in a wide range of landscape settings and tolerates cold temperatures exceptionally well. Consistent moisture during establishment supports the healthiest foliage and strongest berry production.
Care Instructions
Planting: Plant in full sun to part sun for best berry production and dense growth.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment and during prolonged dry periods.
Fertilizing: Feed in spring with a balanced evergreen fertilizer if needed.
Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain shape if desired.
Spacing: Space plants 6–8 ft apart for mature growth and airflow.
Maintenance: Plant near a compatible male pollinator and mulch to retain soil moisture.
Companion Plants: Blue Prince Holly, Castle Wall Holly, Blue Stallion Holly will encourage berry production.
Its glossy evergreen foliage, vivid winter berries, and dense growth habit make Blue Princess Holly an outstanding choice for year-round structure, privacy, and seasonal color in the landscape.
