Meserveae Holly Ilex x meserveae

Meserve holly, is a hybrid evergreen shrub in the Aquifoliaceae family. It 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 a number of cultivars collectively known as meserve hollies.

These bushy hollies typically grow to 6 to 8 feet tall, although some occasionally reach 15 feet. The foliage of this plant is remarkably similar to that of Ilex x xaquipernyi, but the more numerous spines are flexible and almost rubbery and leaves are not convex. The purplish twigs of meserve holly also serve to distinguish between the two. As expected, this plant is tolerant of the cold, with excellent winter hardiness to USDA Zone 5, and is a rapid grower.

Meserve 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. Prune in the winter as needed to maintain shape. Meserve 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

Insect, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Potential insect problems include holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly, and scale. Potential disease problems include leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot, and powdery mildew. Also susceptible to leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils).