PSC 2620: Woody Trees and ShrubCourse HomeWeek 9

Ilex x meserveae - Meserve Hybrid Hollies

Plant Viewer
The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem, bright and glossy green. The margin is spiny. The bright red berries are very showy against the dark green leaves.
Small white flowers appear in spring.

Plant Description

This species of holly is a cross between Prostrate Holly and English Holly. It provides the same familiar holly-leaf and bright red berries as the English Holly, but is much cold hardier and performs decently in our climate. They are not terribly adaptable, and perform best in a more neutral to alkaline soil. They need to be planted in full shade, or they will suffer severe winter kill in most winters. The form is broadly pyramidal and can it grow 10-15 feet high.

The leaf is evergreen, dark green and very glossy, the bottom of the leaf is a light green, and can sometimes turn a light brown color. The leaves are 1 - 2 1/2 inches long, quite thick and leathery, and arranged alternately on the stem. The leaf is ovate in shape and has a spiny margin.

Small white flowers bloom in the spring. They are somewhat showy and are more prevalent on male varieties. Holly is famous for its bright red drupe fruit, that stands out against the dark green leaves. The fruit is only born on female plants, and they must be pollinated by a male plant. They are 1/4 - 1/2 inch in diameter and form in small clusters. The berries ripen by the end of fall and will persist throughout winter.

Landscape Use

Use as in mass plantings for best visual impact when the berries are in color. I have seen it used as a hedge, though in our climate it would probably not perform reliably in that role. The spiny leaves make this a plant that is best seen, but not touched, and so it shouldn't be used right along walks or patio edges. It is a good choice as a security plant for putting underneath windows along fences.

Points of Interest

Despite being the most cold hardy hollies, Meserve Hybrid Hollies are still a fragile plant in our climate. If they are not planted in full sun then they will suffer extensive winter burn and winter kill. Protect them from high wind, especially during the winter. Holly is also susceptible to leaf spot and scale.

Notable Cultivars

Blue Prince A male cultivar that reaches 10-12 feet high with a spreading form and shrubby look. Leaves are very dark and glossy.


Blue Princess A female cultivar that has excellent berry production. The dark green leaves have a blue overcast. Grows up to 15 feet high.