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Ilex × meserveae 'Mesid'

holly [Blue Maid]

Dense, conical evergreen shrub or small tree to about 4m tall, with dark bluish-green spiny evergreen leaves. Small white flowers in spring are followed by an abundance of red berries. Female counterpart to 'Blue Boy'. Said to be one of the hardiest of the blue hollies and somewhat pollution resistant.

Synonyms
Ilex × meserveae 'Mesid'
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring White Blue Green
Summer Blue Green
Autumn Blue Green Red
Winter Blue Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H7
Botanical details
Family
Aquifoliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Columnar upright, Bushy
Potentially harmful
Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Genus

Ilex can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with often spiny leaves, small white flowers (male and female usually on separate plants) and, on female plants, showy berries in autumn

Name status

Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade.

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn or propagate by hardwood cuttings in January with bottom heat

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
  • Hedging and screens
Pruning

Pruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, holly leaf miner and young shoots may be susceptible to aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to holly leaf blight, Phytophthora root rot and sometimes honey fungus

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