Images Depict Mature Plants
Blue Princess Holly
Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Princess'
Blue Princess Holly is one of those evergreens that really gives you the full package. The foliage looks great year-round, the structure is strong enough for real hedge work, and when it is pollinated properly, the winter berries give the plant the kind of seasonal punch that makes it feel special.
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Blue-Green Evergreen Color with Bright Red Berries for Winter Interest
A classic holly that brings real four-season value
Blue Princess Holly is an excellent choice for homeowners who want an evergreen shrub that keeps its color year-round. During the growing season, it brings dense structure and rich blue-green foliage to the landscape. Then, as colder weather arrives, it becomes even more eye-catching, with its red berries standing out against the dark foliage and purplish stems.
Blue-green foliage gives it a richer evergreen look
One of the features that makes Blue Princess Holly so distinctive is its foliage color. Instead of standard flat green leaves, it carries dark blue-green foliage that gives the plant a cooler, more refined appearance. That richer tone helps it look especially attractive in mixed evergreen plantings, against brick or stone, and anywhere the landscape needs a stronger winter presence.
Bright red berries create standout winter color
The berries are among the main reasons homeowners choose Blue Princess Holly. When pollinated properly, the plant produces abundant dark red to bright red fruit that can persist through much of winter. That berry show makes this shrub a strong seasonal focal point and gives the landscape the kind of classic holly look many homeowners want near entrances, patios, or high-visibility borders.
Excellent for hedges, screens, and specimen planting
Blue Princess Holly works beautifully in evergreen hedges, privacy screens, mixed borders, and foundation beds where year-round structure matters. It can also be planted as a specimen shrub where the foliage and berries can be appreciated up close. Because it grows with a broad, dense habit, it is especially useful when homeowners want a holly that feels substantial and established in the landscape.
Berry production depends on pollination, and the plant is best sited well
This Meserve holly performs best in full sun to partial shade and in acidic, well-drained soil with even moisture during establishment. It is notably cold-hardy and relatively adaptable, but it benefits from thoughtful siting in climates with intense summer heat. Because Blue Princess Holly is a female holly, it needs a compatible male pollinator, such as Blue Prince, nearby for reliable berry production.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-8 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 8 to 12 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 6 to 8 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil | Acidic, well-drained soil |
| Water | Moderate during establishment; prefers even moisture with good drainage |
| Bloom Time / Color | Spring; small inconspicuous greenish-white flowers |
| Foliage | Dark blue-green foliage on purple to purplish stems |
| Berry Color | Bright red to dark red berries in fall and winter |
| Ornamental Features | Dense habit, blue-green foliage, red winter berries, strong year-round structure |
| Wildlife Value | Berries can support birds; dense evergreen cover value |
| Pollination | Female plant; needs a compatible male such as Blue Prince nearby for berry set |
| Resistance (deer/disease/drought/etc.) | Relatively deer resistant, cold hardy, adaptable once established |
| Landscape Uses | Hedges, privacy screens, specimen planting, mixed borders, foundation beds, evergreen structure plantings |
How to Care for Blue Princess Holly
Before you buy an Blue Princess Holly, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this Holly healthy and thriving.
How should I plant Blue Princess Holly?
Plant Blue Princess Holly in full sun to partial shade in acidic, well-drained soil. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and no deeper than the root ball itself, then set the shrub so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Backfill with the native soil, water deeply, and mulch around the base to help conserve moisture and reduce weed competition. If you want berries, plan for pollination at planting time by placing a compatible male holly such as Blue Prince in the same general landscape area.
How often should I water Blue Princess Holly after planting?
Water Blue Princess Holly deeply right after planting, then keep the soil evenly moist during the first growing season while the roots establish. In most home landscapes, that means watering about once or twice per week depending on rainfall, heat, and drainage. Once established, this evergreen becomes easier to manage, but it still performs best when the soil does not swing between prolonged drought and constant sogginess. Good drainage and steady moisture support healthier foliage, flowering, and fruit set.
When should I fertilize Blue Princess Holly?
Fertilize Blue Princess Holly lightly in early spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer for evergreens or acid-loving shrubs. A modest spring feeding can support healthy foliage color, steady growth, and better flowering without encouraging weak, overly lush growth. In many landscapes, heavy feeding is unnecessary. Proper soil pH, mulch, and consistent moisture during establishment often matter more than aggressive fertilizing when it comes to long-term performance.
When and how should I prune Blue Princess Holly?
Prune Blue Princess Holly in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed. Start by removing any dead, damaged, or crowded branches, then make selective cuts to preserve the shrub’s dense natural form. If you are growing Blue Princess Holly as a hedge, light shaping is usually enough to maintain a neat outline. Avoid over-pruning if berry display is important, since strong flowering and fruiting depend on healthy mature growth and proper pollination.
