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Ilex × meserveae 'Heckenpracht'

Introducing the Ilex × meserveae 'Heckenpracht', commonly referred to as blue holly, a distinguished and hardy addition to any garden landscape. This hybrid species, known for its glossy, blue-green leaves and delicate white flowers, presents a striking contrast against the more common greenery. 'Heckenpracht', aptly named for its splendid hedge-like growth, is a cultivar that not only enhances garden aesthetics but also thrives robustly within its temperate range. At Heijnen Plants, we are proud to cultivate such a remarkable and versatile plant, ensuring top quality and vigor for your gardening projects.

Winter hardiness
Very winter hardy

Pruning
Once a year

Growth rate
20-30cm a year

Visual barrier
Moderately obscuring

Position
Shade, partial shade, sun

Maintenance
Low maintenance

2+ £24.65

25+ £23.45

50+ £22.80

100+ £22.20

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

Planting distance per meter
3

22.20

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £28.80

25+ £27.35

50+ £26.65

100+ £25.90

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

Planting distance per meter
3

25.90

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £42.40

25+ £40.25

50+ £39.20

100+ £38.15

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

Planting distance per meter
2,5

38.15

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £55.35

25+ £52.55

50+ £51.20

100+ £49.80

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

Planting distance per meter
2,5

49.80

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £83.25

15+ £79.05

25+ £77.00

50+ £74.90

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

Planting distance per meter
2

74.90

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

2+ £128.60

15+ £122.20

25+ £118.95

50+ £115.75

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

Planting distance per meter
2

115.75

per piece

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

Added to shopping cart

Ilex × meserveae 'Heckenpracht'

The Ilex × meserveae 'Heckenpracht', commonly known as blue holly, is a hybrid species that brings a unique visual appeal to gardens and landscapes. It is a versatile plant that can be used as a hedge or as a standalone specimen, providing structure and year-round interest to any garden setting. With its distinctive foliage and robust growth, the blue holly is a popular choice for gardeners seeking a reliable and attractive evergreen.

The blue holly is quite hardy and can withstand cold winters, making it a suitable choice for a variety of climates. The plant's ability to maintain its lush foliage throughout the year adds a constant splash of color to the garden.

Key Features

Some of the key features of the Ilex × meserveae 'Heckenpracht' include:

The blue holly displays a remarkable visual density, quickly obscuring any unsightly views and providing ample privacy.
The foliage undergoes a captivating transition, starting with a bronze hue in spring and maturing to a striking blue-green in summer, autumn, and winter.
The plant is winter hardy to temperatures between -20.6°C and -23.3°C (USDA zone 6a), making it an excellent choice for regions with harsh winters.
It is a low-maintenance evergreen, requiring minimal pruning, typically only once per year.
The blue holly is drought-sensitive and benefits from consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
In April and May, it is adorned with delicate white flowers that add a touch of elegance to the already stunning foliage.

Tips

When propagating the blue holly, choose either semi-ripe or hardwood cuttings, depending on the season. This ensures a higher success rate for new plant growth.
To keep the plant in optimal health, plant it in a location that receives full sun to partial shade and in well-drained soil.
While the Ilex × meserveae 'Heckenpracht' is low-maintenance, an annual pruning will help maintain its shape and encourage fuller growth.

Ideal placement of a Ilex

For optimal growth, Ilex × meserveae 'Heckenpracht' should be situated in an area that offers a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, or even full shade. This versatility ensures that the plant can adapt to various garden designs and locations. A key requirement, however, is that the soil must be well-drained, as stagnant water could be detrimental to the root system. This species is celebrated for its resilience in cold weather, tolerating temperatures as low as -20.6°C to -23.3°C, falling within USDA zone 6a, making it an excellent choice for landscapes in cooler climates.

Planting a Ilex

For optimal establishment, plant Ilex × meserveae 'Heckenpracht' with a root ball in the cooler months, avoiding times of frost. Ensure the chosen site accommodates its adaptability to shade, partial shade, and sun, and that the soil is well-drained to prevent waterlogging. Upon planting, the root ball should be placed in a hole twice its width and to the same depth as it was grown. Firmly backfill the soil and water thoroughly to settle the roots. This evergreen species will benefit from mulching to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature, contributing to a robust, visually dense hedge.

Pruning a Ilex

Pruning of Ilex × meserveae 'Heckenpracht' is a straightforward task, requiring attention only once per year to maintain shape and health. The optimal time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. This timing ensures the plant has the entire growing season to recover. Minimal pruning is necessary; however, if a more formal hedge appearance is desired, additional trimming may be performed. Its robust winter hardiness, enduring up to USDA zone 6a temperatures, makes it a resilient choice for a variety of landscapes.

Watering a Ilex

For the Ilex × meserveae 'Heckenpracht', maintaining consistent soil moisture is crucial. This species is not drought resistant and will require regular watering, particularly during dry spells. While the plant appreciates well-drained soil, it is important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely. During the establishment phase and in the warmer months, ensure that the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. During cooler periods, you can reduce the frequency of watering, but monitor soil moisture levels to ensure the root ball does not become too dry.

Fertilising a Ilex

To ensure robust growth and vibrant foliage, it is essential to provide Ilex 'Heckenpracht' with the proper nutrients. Fertilising is recommended in early spring, as the plant exits dormancy and prepares for its growing season. An application of a balanced, slow-release fertiliser formulated for evergreen shrubs will support healthy development. The nutrients will aid in maintaining the rich blue-green hue of the leaves throughout the seasons.

A second application can be made in mid-summer to replenish any nutrients that have been depleted and to support the upcoming year's growth. Avoid fertilising late in the season, as new growth may be too tender to withstand the colder temperatures. Proper fertilisation will not only enhance the visual density of the hedge but also contribute to its winter hardiness, allowing it to thrive even in the chill of USDA zone 6a.

The characteristics of a Ilex

The Ilex × meserveae 'Heckenpracht' is renowned for its glossy, blue-green leaves that provide year-round color and structure to any garden. This variety is particularly notable for its dense, pyramidal growth habit, making it an ideal choice for creating a visually appealing, low-maintenance hedge. It is dioecious, so for optimal berry production, ensure both male and female plants are present to facilitate pollination. This species thrives in a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained.

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