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Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid'

At Heijnen Plants, we take pride in offering an exquisite selection of hollies, among which the Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' stands out with its unique charm. Commonly known as blue holly, this hardy shrub delights with its glossy, blue-green leaves and delicate white flowers that add a touch of elegance to any garden space. The 'Blue Maid' cultivar is a true garden treasure, providing year-round interest and a splash of color even in the most formal landscape designs.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
20-30 cm per year

Visual barrier
Quickly obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £26.00

25+ £24.70

50+ £24.05

100+ £23.40

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
60-80

Planting distance per meter
3

23.40

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £30.20

25+ £28.65

50+ £27.90

100+ £27.15

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
80-100

Planting distance per meter
3

27.15

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £39.70

25+ £37.70

50+ £36.70

100+ £35.75

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
100-125

Planting distance per meter
2,5

35.75

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £57.70

25+ £54.85

50+ £53.40

100+ £51.95

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
125-150

Planting distance per meter
2,5

51.95

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £93.70

15+ £89.00

25+ £86.70

50+ £84.35

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
150-175

Planting distance per meter
2

84.35

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

2+ £125.05

15+ £118.80

25+ £115.65

50+ £112.55

Height at time of delivery excluding pot/clod
175-200

Planting distance per meter
2

112.55

per piece

incl. VAT, excl. shipping costs (calculated in shopping cart)

Added to shopping cart

Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid'

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 main features of Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid'

The features of the blue holly are diverse and highly desirable for anyone looking to enhance their garden with year-round beauty and structure:

The Ilex 'Blue Maid' variety is known for its dense and quickly obscuring foliage, which provides excellent privacy when used as a hedge.
It is characterized by a striking blue-green foliage throughout all seasons, adding a splash of color even in the bleakest winter months.
This plant can withstand cold temperatures down to -23.3°C / -28.9°C, falling within USDA zone 5, showcasing significant winter hardiness.
It boasts a moderate growth rate of 20-30 cm per year, which allows for strategic shaping and placement within landscape designs.
The blue holly flowers with delicate white blossoms in April and May, followed by eye-catching red berries in the autumn.
It thrives in a variety of soil types as long as they are well-drained and can adapt to full sun, partial shade, or full shade locations.

Tips

When planting Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid', consider pairing it with a male Ilex variety to ensure a bountiful production of its signature red berries, which are a source of winter food for wildlife.
Pruning should be done carefully to maintain its natural shape, as the blue holly doesn't require much pruning and can generally be left to grow untouched.
Ensure the soil remains moist, especially during dry periods, as blue holly is not drought-resistant. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and protect the root system.

Ideal placement of a Ilex ‘Blue Maid’

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 a Ilex ‘Blue Maid’

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.

Pruning a Ilex ‘Blue Maid’

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.

Watering a Ilex ‘Blue Maid’

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.

Fertilising a Ilex ‘Blue Maid’

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 characteristics of a Ilex ‘Blue Maid’

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.

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