Blue holly [Blue Prince] Ilex × meserveae Blue Prince = 'Conablu' (m)

Water

The Blue Holly 'Blue Prince' should be watered deeply and thoroughly, which means the soil around its roots should be completely moist. During the growing season, water your Blue Holly with about 1 to 2 gallons per week, depending on the weather conditions—less if it has rained significantly, and more during periods of drought. It is crucial to ensure the plant has proper drainage as it does not tolerate standing water. During the winter months, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to become completely dry, especially if the plant is grown in a container.

Light

Blue Holly 'Blue Prince' thrives in full sun to partial shade. The best spot for the plant is one where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight each day but is sheltered from the harsh afternoon sun in very hot climates. The optimum light conditions will ensure the best growth and berry production, as too little light can result in fewer flowers and berries.

Temperature

Blue Holly 'Blue Prince' is cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°F, making it suitable for many temperate climates. It grows best in temperatures between 35°F to 75°F. It is important to protect 'Blue Prince' from strong winter winds, especially in the northern parts of its range, which can cause desiccation and winter burn.

Pruning

Prune your Blue Holly 'Blue Prince' to maintain its desired shape and size, and to promote the growth of fresh foliage. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually, but avoid over-pruning as this can reduce berry production. Remove any dead or damaged branches whenever noticed to keep the plant healthy and attractive.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Blue Holly prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH of 5.0 to 6.0. A good soil mix for Blue Holly should be composed of peat moss, pine bark, and compost to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Additionally, incorporating sand can enhance the soil structure for this holly variety.

Repotting

Blue Holly, being a relatively slow-growing shrub, doesn't require frequent repotting. It's generally best to repot this plant every 3 to 5 years or when it appears to outgrow its current container or the soil has noticeably degraded.

Humidity & Misting

Blue Holly thrives in average outdoor humidity levels. It's adaptable to varying conditions but excessive dryness can be harmful. No specific humidity level is crucial for this plant; it's quite resilient and can tolerate a wide range.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, cool temperatures, and slightly acidic soil.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-draining acidic soil, full sun to partial shade.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA.

Life cycle

Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Prince', a male cultivar of Blue Holly, begins its life cycle as a seed, but as a male cultivar, it is typically propagated from cuttings. Once the cuttings root and establish, they develop into young plants with glossy, dark blue-green foliage. Growth continues as the Blue Prince matures, and it can be identified by its inability to produce berries, which is a key differentiator from female plants. Throughout the growing season, the plant forms small, white flowers that are insignificant in appearance and primarily serve as pollen producers for fertilizing female holly plants. After several years, the Blue Prince reaches full maturity, achieving a height of about 12 to 15 feet with a spread of 8 to 10 feet, displaying a dense, pyramidal to rounded shape. The plant then enters a maintenance phase, where it can live for many years with proper care, including pruning to maintain shape and size, and protection from pests and diseases.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Late Winter to Early Spring

• The Ilex × meserveae Blue Prince, commonly known as the Blue Prince Holly, is typically propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings. The most suitable time to take these cuttings is in late summer to early fall when the current season's growth has begun to mature. A section of the stem about 4 to 6 inches (about 10 to 15 centimeters) long with several leaves is cut from the parent plant. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut ends are dipped in a rooting hormone to promote root development. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite, and kept in a humid environment with indirect light. Maintaining a consistent temperature of around 70°F (approximately 21°C) will encourage root growth over a period of several weeks to months, after which they can be transplanted to a more permanent location.