Meserve Hybrid Holly Ilex x meserveae

Meserve Hybrid Holly is a cold hardy, medium-sized, hybrid, broadleaf evergreen shrub in the Aquifoliaceae or holly family. These bushy hollies typically grow to 3 to 8 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, although some occasionally reach 15 feet in height. They have a variable growth habit from vase-shaped to rounded and a slow growth rate. The foliage of this plant is remarkably similar to that of Ilex x xaquipernyi. The Meserve Hybrid Holly has numerous spines that are flexible and almost rubbery, and the leaves are not convex. Its leaves are also small, leathery, waxy, dark green to blue-green, and the stems are purplish-green. Small white to pinkish-white flowers bloom in the spring, and vibrant red berries appear in the fall and persist through the winter.

This hybrid resulted from a cross between I. aquifolium  (noted for its winter hardiness) and I. rugosa (an English-style holly) by Kathleen Meserve of St. James New York. Her hybrid is intended to create an English holly that withstands harsh northeastern winters and includes several cultivars collectively known as Meserve hollies. They are also called "Blue Hollies" because of the bluish cast to the leaves. 

Meserve Hybrid Holly does best in average, slightly acidic, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. If planting in a zone with hot summers, site the plant where it will get some afternoon shade and in locations protected from cold winter winds. As expected, this plant is tolerant of the cold, with excellent winter hardiness to USDA Zone 5. Prune in the winter as needed to maintain shape.

Meserve Hybrid Hollies are dioecious (separate male and female plants) and female plants require a male plant in the vicinity to pollinate and produce fruit. As a general rule of thumb, you should plant one male for every 3 to 5 female plants. The cultivar 'Blue Prince' is typically used as the male plant.

The Meserve Hybrid Holly is one of the most cold hardy broadleaf evergreen shrubs. The ornamental fruits and attractive foliage will add interest to the landscape, especially in the fall and winter months. Consider this shrub as a foundation planting, group planting, barrier hedge, or specimen. Birds will be attracted to the fruits and the spiny foliage will offer them added protection.

Seasons Of Interest:

Bloom:  Spring                    Foliage: Year-round                      Fruits:  Fall

Quick ID Hints:

• rounded or vase-shaped broadleaf evergreen shrub
• purplish-green to greenish-tan stems
• leaves are small, about 3 inches long, alternate, elliptical, simple, glossy, dark green to bluish-green with spiny margins
• small, white to pinkish-white flowers in the spring
• vibrant red berries in the fall

Insect, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The Meserve Hybrid Holly has no serious pests. Potential insect problems may include holly leaf miners, spider mites, whiteflies, and scale. Potential disease problems include leaf spots, leaf rot, tar spot, and powdery mildew. They are also susceptible to leaf drop, leaf scorch, and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high-pH soils).

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests. 

VIDEO created by Ryan Contreras for “Landscape Plant Materials I:  Deciduous Hardwoods and Conifers or Landscape Plant Materials II:  Spring Flowering Trees and Shrubs” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Horticulture at Oregon State University

More information on Ilex.