Description
Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Angel' | Holly Blue Angel
The Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Angel', commonly referred to as Holly Blue Angel, is a captivating evergreen shrub that brings year-round interest to gardens. With its distinctive blue-green foliage and bright red berries, it creates a striking contrast that is especially appreciated during the winter months.
This robust hybrid holly, a member of the Ilex genus, is admired not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its adaptability to a range of garden uses, whether as a vibrant border, in group plantings, as an individual specimen, or shaped into a formal hedge.
Key features of Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Angel'
- The Ilex 'Blue Angel' is an evergreen shrub, maintaining a lush appearance throughout the year with its unique blue and green foliage.
- It blooms with delicate white flowers in May and June, which are followed by vivid red berries in the autumn, providing a feast for the eyes and a banquet for local birdlife.
- This holly variety has an upright to bushy growth habit, reaching an ultimate height of approximately 2 meters, which makes it a versatile choice for different landscaping designs.
- It thrives in a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-drained, and can be placed in locations with full sun to partial shade.
- The 'Blue Angel' is a drought-sensitive plant, requiring average water to maintain its vigor and beauty.
Tips for cultivating Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Angel'
- To propagate 'Blue Angel', semi-ripe cuttings can be taken during the growing season, or hardwood cuttings can be taken from autumn to winter.
- While the 'Blue Angel' doesn't require extensive pruning, occasional trimming can help maintain its shape and promote fuller growth.
- Ensure that the 'Blue Angel' is planted in well-drained soil and watered regularly, especially during the drier months, to keep it looking its best.
- Protect the plant from strong winds and provide mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, ensuring optimal growth conditions for this stunning holly variety.