Blue holly ( ilex meserveae )

Ilex × meserveae 'Blue Maid' & 'Blue Prince' (Blue Holly)

These two are a pair: 'Blue Maid' is the female that carries the red berries, 'Blue Prince' is the male pollinator that makes those berries happen. One prince planted within about 15m will service several maids, so a common ratio is one male per 5 to 8 females in a hedge run.

Specification

Foliage: evergreen, glossy blue-green spiny leaves on purple stems

Berries: 'Blue Maid' only, bright red, autumn into winter (needs 'Blue Prince' nearby)

Growth rate: moderate, roughly 20 to 30cm a year

Maintained height: 1.2 to 2.5m; mature height up to 3m+ if left

Planting density:  2 per metre for a standard hedge

Position: full sun to part shade; tolerates coastal and exposed sites

Soil: moist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral; dislikes waterlogging

Pruning: once a year in late summer, trim lightly to shape

Hardiness: very hardy, fully suited to Irish winters (down to about -25°C)

Wildlife: flowers feed pollinators, berries feed birds

Safety: berries are toxic if eaten, and leaves are prickly, which makes it a great intruder deterrent