'Blue Maid' Holly (Ilex) - evergreen hedging shrub - 19 cm pot - Height 90 cm

Yes, the 'Blue Maid' Holly (Ilex meserveae 'Blue Maid') is a female cultivar selected for its regular and abundant production of bright red berries. The berries appear in autumn and often persist into the depths of winter, providing spectacular decoration when the garden is dormant. To ensure optimal fruiting, the presence of a nearby male holly for pollination is recommended, although 'Blue Maid' can produce a few berries on its own. In a sunny position, berry production is significantly more generous than in the shade.

Absolutely, the 'Blue Maid' Holly (Ilex meserveae) is particularly popular as a container plant on terraces or balconies, thanks to its elegant stem and moderate growth. Choose a container of at least 30 to 40 litres to ensure good root development, with a substrate made of potting mix and ericaceous soil. Regular watering is essential during hot weather, as the pot dries out faster than the ground. In winter, protect the pot from frost with a fleece cover or insulating blanket to preserve the roots.

'Blue Maid' Holly (Ilex meserveae) adapts to a wide range of exposures, from full sun to partial shade. In sunny conditions, the foliage is denser, the green more intense, and the production of red berries significantly more abundant. In partial shade, the plant grows well but produces fewer berries. However, it cannot tolerate dense, deep shade over the long term. Also avoid locations exposed to cold, drying north-easterly winds, especially for potted specimens.

Yes, the 'Blue Maid' Holly (Ilex meserveae) is one of the hardiest hybrid hollies available on the market. It withstands temperatures regularly dropping to -20°C, making it a perfectly suited shrub for the harsh winters of northern and eastern France. Its evergreen foliage withstands frost without yellowing or falling off. When planted in the ground, no protection is necessary in almost all regions of France. In a pot, insulating the container is still recommended during exceptionally severe winters.

Pruning the 'Blue Maid' Holly on the stem is simple and straightforward. It is enough to prune the ball shape once or twice a year to maintain a neat and well-proportioned silhouette. The first pruning is ideally carried out in late March, just before the vegetation starts growing again, by shortening the branches that protrude beyond the desired shape. A second light intervention in July-August allows 'to refine the silhouette. Use clean and well-sharpened pruning shears to avoid tearing the glossy leaves. Avoid any severe pruning in the middle of winter so as not to weaken the plant.

The 'Blue Maid' Holly (Ilex meserveae) prefers cool, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5 to 7). However, it can tolerate lightly alkaline soils, provided they are not constantly waterlogged. Before planting, amend the soil with mature compost and, if your soil is alkaline, incorporate some ericaceous soil to lower the pH. Avoid heavy, compact soils that retain excessive moisture, as standing water can cause root asphyxiation, the holly's worst enemy.

Blue Maid Holly (Ilex meserveae) pairs beautifully with other evergreen plants to create structured compositions all year round. In a container, combine it with winter heather (Erica), red-berried skimmia, or hellebores for a spectacular winter display. In the garden, it blends perfectly into an evergreen hedge alongside aucuba, photinia, or osmanthus. In a border, its red berries contrast elegantly with the silvery foliage of eleagnus or evergreen grasses. Its stem-like form suits both contemporary gardens and classic English gardens.