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Blue holly
The Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid', commonly known as blue holly, is a striking evergreen that brings a unique charm to any landscape. Its lush, blue-green foliage and vibrant red berries in autumn make it a standout plant for hedges or as a solitary feature in gardens.
This hybrid offers not only visual appeal but also robust hardiness, making it a favorite among gardeners and landscapers alike.
The features of the blue holly are diverse and highly desirable for anyone looking to enhance their garden with year-round beauty and structure:
We would like to provide some tips on how to plant and care for a Shade hedge plants. By following these tips, you can be sure to enjoy your Shade hedge plants for a long time.
The Ilex 'Blue Maid' thrives across a wide spectrum of locations, from full sun to partial shade to shade, showcasing its versatility and making it an ideal candidate for various garden designs. It is important, however, to ensure that the soil is well-drained to provide the most conducive growing conditions. With a robust winter hardiness, this variety can withstand temperatures as low as -28.9°C, aligning with USDA zone 5, thus making it a resilient choice for landscapes in cooler climates.
Planting should occur during a period free from frost, ideally in the fall for root establishment before winter or early spring. Begin by digging a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equally as deep. Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring it's level with the surrounding soil surface. Backfill the hole with a mixture of native soil and compost to encourage strong root growth. Firm the soil around the base and water thoroughly to settle the roots. Given its impressive winter hardiness, down to USDA zone 5, it can withstand cold climates, although young plants may benefit from protective mulching.
Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' is a low-maintenance species that thrives with minimal intervention. To shape or manage size, prune once a year, ideally in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This timing allows the plant to heal quickly without affecting its spring flourish. The evergreen nature of this cultivar means it retains its visual appeal throughout the year, and selective trimming can help maintain its dense, quickly obscuring foliage. Always use clean, sharp tools to ensure clean cuts and promote healthy regrowth.
The Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' thrives with consistent moisture, particularly in well-drained soils, to establish a robust root system. During the first growing season, ensure the root ball is kept adequately watered to facilitate root establishment. Afterward, maintain a regular watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering intervals. This species is not drought-tolerant, so additional irrigation may be necessary during prolonged dry spells. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and protect the roots. In winter, reduce watering as the plant's growth slows, but do not allow the soil to become completely dry.
To support the robust growth and vibrant foliage of Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid', fertilizing should be approached judiciously. This species thrives when provided with a balanced fertilizer early in the spring, which can set the tone for its growth cycle throughout the year. A second application during mid-summer can further bolster its vitality, promoting lush, blue-green foliage and the development of its characteristic red berries in autumn.
For optimal results, select a fertilizer specifically formulated for evergreens or acid-loving plants. This will ensure that the > holly 'Blue Maid' receives the correct balance of nutrients necessary for its development. As an evergreen, it retains its leaves throughout the year, and a consistent nutrient supply is vital for maintaining its visual density and winter hardiness, especially within its USDA zone 5 range.
The Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' thrives with a layer of mulch applied around the base to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. This holly variety is known for its striking blue-green foliage and bright red berries, which provide a vivid contrast during the colder months. To ensure a bountiful berry display, which is often overlooked, it's essential to plant a male pollinator nearby, as 'Blue Maid' is a female cultivar requiring cross-pollination to produce its signature fruits.
Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' is adaptable to various soil types, as long as they are well-drained. Ensuring proper drainage will create an environment conducive to the plant's overall health and growth.
Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' is well-suited to a variety of light conditions, thriving in shade, partial shade, and even under direct sunlight. This plant is adaptable to different environments, making it an excellent choice for various locations in the garden. For optimal growth and foliage appearance, a location with partial shade is recommended.
The blossoms of Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' display a delicate white hue, adding an elegant touch to the plant's aesthetic appeal.
Indeed, Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' is considered winter hardy. This resilient plant can endure temperatures as low as -23.3°C to -28.9°C, which positions it within the classification of hardiness zone 5. As a result, Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' is well-equipped to withstand the winter conditions experienced in various regions, making it a suitable choice for gardens and landscapes.
Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' is characterized by its evergreen foliage. This means that the plant retains its leaves throughout the year, showcasing its verdant appearance in every season.
Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' displays a growth rate of 20 to 30 centimetres per year, making it a moderately-paced yet steady-growing plant.
If we are proud of anything at Heijnen Plants, it is our plant packaging. We have developed our own unique way of packaging our 9x9 cm potted plants. After years of continued development and research, we managed to create packaging that allows plants to be delivered to your home undamaged and quickly through a parcel service. This makes us unique!
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If you have ordered large-sized plants or trees, we deliver them on sealed pallets and place them around your house or driveway. The pallets are sturdy and provide optimal protection for large-sized plants.
We deliver small or medium-sized plants in boxes. The size of the box depends on the size of the plant. We always make sure that the plant has enough space but still stands firmly in the box, so it cannot be damaged during transport.
Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' is a remarkable choice for garden enthusiasts seeking a vibrant, robust plant. Its striking blue-green foliage and bountiful red berries add a splash of color to any landscape, while its resilient nature ensures lasting beauty with minimal upkeep.
