Blue Maid Holly Ilex × meserveae Blue Maid = 'Mesid' (f)
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Blue Maid Holly is an evergreen shrub that features a striking appearance. It boasts glossy dark green leaves that have a slightly blue tint, giving the plant a unique and attractive look. The leaves themselves are often described as spiny or serrated along the edges, similar to the traditional holly leaf shape, which can give the plant a somewhat prickly texture when touched. During the blooming period, Blue Maid Holly produces small, inconspicuous white flowers that may be appealing to bees and other pollinators. What’s particularly notable about this plant, are the vibrant red berries that it bears. These berries provide a cheerful contrast to the deep, rich color of the foliage and can persist into the winter months, adding a splash of color to the landscape even when many other plants have ceased to bloom. This plant's dense branching habit and lush foliage make it an excellent choice for hedges or as a foundation plant in garden designs. Its resilience and year-round interest with both foliage and berries ensure Blue Maid Holly remains a cherished addition to any garden.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Blue Maid Holly, Meserve Holly, Blue Holly
Common names
Ilex × meserveae 'Mesid'.
ToxicityTo humans
Blue Holly, the common name for Ilex × meserveae 'Mesid', contains saponins, which are toxic to humans if ingested. Eating the leaves or berries can cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Ingesting large quantities could lead to more severe symptoms and potentially be life-threatening. Medical attention should be sought if significant quantities are consumed or if symptoms are severe.
To pets
Blue Holly is also toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. The toxic principles, primarily saponins, can cause similar symptoms as seen in humans when ingested by pets. These symptoms include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In severe cases, ingestion can lead to more serious effects and potentially be fatal, especially if large quantities are consumed. If a pet ingests parts of this plant, contact a veterinarian or an animal poison control service immediately.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Dark green
Flower color
White
Height
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Spread
8 feet (2.44 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivar
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' is known for its lustrous, blue-green foliage and vibrant red berries, making it a popular ornamental plant for gardens and landscapes.
- Wildlife Habitat: The berries provide a food source for birds during the winter when other foods are scarce, offering a natural way to attract wildlife to the garden.
- Privacy Screening: With its dense growth habit, 'Blue Maid' holly can be used to create privacy screens and hedges, effectively blocking unwanted views and providing seclusion.
- Year-Round Interest: This plant retains its foliage throughout the year, ensuring that the garden remains visually appealing even in the cold months.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, 'Blue Maid' holly has good drought tolerance, making it suitable for gardens with less frequent watering.
- Tolerance to Pruning: The plant can withstand heavy pruning, allowing gardeners to shape it as desired for topiary or a more formal look.
- Salt Tolerance: Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' is tolerant to salt spray, which is beneficial for planting in coastal areas or along roadsides where de-icing salts are used.
- Hardiness: This cultivar is resilient in colder climates, able to withstand temperatures typical of USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife Habitat: Blue Maid Holly provides cover and protection for birds and small mammals, especially in winter when food is scarce and shelter is limited.
- Photography Backdrop: The attractive berries and glossy leaves offer a vibrant background for outdoor photography and garden enthusiasts capturing the essence of the seasons.
- Privacy Screen: With its dense growth habit, Blue Maid Holly serves as an excellent living barrier, offering privacy to homeowners when planted as a hedge.
- Topiary Art: Due to its manageable growth and ability to handle pruning well, Blue Maid Holly can be sculpted into various topiary shapes for garden art.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of this holly can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or areas prone to soil degradation.
- Winter Garden Interest: Blue Maid Holly's evergreen nature and bright red berries provide much-needed color and texture to gardens during the bleak winter months.
- Traditional Crafts: The branches and berries are used in making wreaths and other holiday decorations during the festive season.
- Feng Shui: Some practitioners use Blue Maid Holly in garden design to promote positive energy flow according to the principles of Feng Shui.
- Symbolic Planting: Holly is often associated with protection and good fortune, making Blue Maid Holly a meaningful addition to gardens where such symbolism is desired.
- Nature Education: This plant can be incorporated into educational programs to teach about native flora, pollination, and the wildlife benefits of hollies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blue Holly plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blue Holly plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Similar to other hollies, the Ilex × meserveae Blue Maid, commonly known as Blue Maid Holly, is often symbolic of protection due to its spiny leaves, which are believed to ward off negative energies.
- Good Fortune: Holly plants are also associated with good luck and are commonly used in decorations during the winter holidays, representing the desire for prosperity and fortune.
- Endurance: The evergreen nature of Blue Maid Holly signifies endurance and the ability to thrive in challenging circumstances, as it stays green throughout the year.
- Festivity: Due to its association with Christmas traditions, the Blue Maid Holly signifies festivity and is seen as a plant that brings joy and celebration into the home.
WaterBlue Holly should be watered regularly, around once per week, deeply soaking the soil to ensure moisture reaches the root zone. During the growing season or hot weather, increase the frequency to twice per week. Approximately 1 to 1.5 gallons per week should suffice for an established plant, but newly planted shrubs may need more frequent watering until they are established. In winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out. It is essential to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
LightBlue Holly thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, a south-facing window is ideal to provide ample light, but if the outdoor light is too intense, some afternoon shade will be beneficial to prevent leaf burn.
TemperatureBlue Holly prefers a temperature range between 35°F and 80°F and is hardy to winter temperatures as low as -20°F. It is well-suited for USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. Extreme heat above 90°F may stress the plant, so providing some afternoon shade in hotter regions can help maintain ideal temperature conditions.
PruningBlue Holly should be pruned to shape it and promote bushier growth, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin out areas to improve air circulation. Pruning can be done annually, but over-pruning should be avoided to maintain its natural form.
CleaningNot needed
SoilBlue Holly (Blue Maid Holly) prefers well-drained, acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. A good mix for potting would be peat moss, pine bark, and perlite to ensure good drainage and mimic its natural growing conditions.
RepottingBlue Holly (Blue Maid Holly) typically requires repotting every 2-3 years, as it is a slow-growing plant and doesn’t become root-bound quickly.
Humidity & MistingBlue Holly (Blue Maid Holly) tolerates a wide range of humidity levels but does best with moderate humidity. Aim for around 40-50% relative humidity for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright light, avoid dry heat, maintain slight soil moisture.
Outdoor
Sunny to partly-shady location, mulch base, shelter from wind.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe Blue Maid Holly, a female cultivar of Ilex × meserveae, starts its life as a seed which, after stratification, germinates in the spring. The seedling then grows into a juvenile plant, which takes several years to mature and start producing the characteristic dark green, glossy, spiny foliage of this holly. During the juvenile phase, the plant focuses on establishing a strong root system and vegetative growth, without producing flowers or berries. Once mature, the Blue Maid Holly begins its reproductive phase, often after 2-3 years, developing small white flowers in the spring that are pollinated by bees from nearby male holly plants (another cultivar or species). If pollination is successful, the flowers develop into bright red berries by autumn, which are both ornamental and provide food for wildlife. The plant then enters a period of maintenance, where year after year it continues to grow, flower, and produce berries, while being shaped by pruning, until its lifespan ends, potentially many decades later given proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating Blue Holly 'Blue Maid' is through semi-hardwood cuttings. This process typically begins in late summer when the new growth has partially matured and hardened. The semi-hardwood cuttings, usually 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length, are cut from the current season's growth. They should have several leaves attached and are often dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development. These cuttings are then planted in a well-draining medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite, and kept under high humidity and indirect light until they root, which can take several weeks. Once rooted, they can be potted up individually and gradually acclimated to less humid conditions before planting out in the landscape.
