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Woody > Ilex > Ilex x meserveae > Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Girl'

Ilex x meserveae

'Blue Girl'


Blue Girl Holly




Origin:  Developed my Mrs. F. Leighton Meserve in 1964, a member of the American Horticultural Society. Ilex rugosa and Ilex aquifolium crossed to produce viable seedlings in St. James New York. Propagation rights to this plant were sold to Conard Pyle.
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

"

Consider disposal of leaves, might hurt bare feet. Plant in full sun, in well drained slightly acidic soil and supremely mulched and supercharged for the winter. Position in a sheltered area away from the harsh winds and covered in burlap.(Riley Irwin)



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

"

Family
Aquifoliaceae
Genus
Ilex
Species
x meserveae
Cultivar
'Blue Girl'
Category
Woody
Type
Shrub (evergreen)
Pronunciation
USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 7
Canadian Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
RHS Hardiness Zone
H7
Temperature (°C)
-23ºC to -26ºC
Temperature (°F)
-10ºF to -20ºF
Height
2.6-4 m
Spread
3-4.5 m
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
June
General Description
This broadleaf evergreen shrub is one of the most common Holly family available and favoured because of its durable hardiness and its attractive foliage and ripe red berries in the late summer.
Landscape
Year round garden feature, used in cut flower arrangements, property border to prevent unwanted footpaths, massing, foundation covering and groupings of female plants.
Cultivation
Hollies have shallow root system a required 2.5 cm of water a week in the growing season, 6 cm of water in hot conditions and stop watering in August to October to halt full foliage potential and prepare the plant for the winter season. Best if planted in the fall, prune winter burn out in the spring.
Shape
Upright, evenly spreading vase form of a large shrub.
Growth
Slow
ID Characteristic
Leathery deep green sharply pointed foliage with large clumps of very attractive red berries catch the eye of humans and birds alike in most garden settings.
Pests
Aphids attack juvenile growth, scale and leaf miners may be issues. Root rot may occur in this cultivar if it is placed in poorly drained soils. Winter desiccation occurs if placed in an exposed position without protection.
Habitat
Horticultural origin.
Bark/Stem Description
Smooth dark gray to light brown in appearance, purplish green colour for first year growth.
Leaf Description
A simple, margined alternately forming 4 - 8 spines along the leaf perimeter. The leaves have a very rigid but delicate form with a very high lustred surface and a dull pale coloured underside.
Flower Description
Small imperfect creamy white flowers that appear in clusters on both sexes of holly.
Fruit Description
Berries are only present on the female plant of this species, which when they appear are abundant and vibrant red in colour.
Colour Description
Leaf pedicles have a purplish colour and the small pale whitish-green flowers are barely noticeable, while the foliage is a delicious deep green shade.
Texture Description
A dangerous plant to bare legs and unprotected arms as the spiny foliage may scratch unsuspecting appendages.
Propagation
Stem cuttings dipped in rooting hormone to propagate, usually container grown but larger field grown plants may be balled and burlaped.
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