Maintenance Landscaping Design

Blue maid holly shrub is an evergreen shrub that is native to the southeastern United States. It grows to be about 6-8 feet tall and has dark green leaves that are 3-5 inches long. The blue maid holly shrub produces small, white flowers in the spring and summer. The berries that follow are blue-black and are loved by birds. This plant is easy to grow and is tolerant of most soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established.

Also known as

• Ilex meserveae
  
• Blue holly
  
• Christmas holly
  
• Meserve's holly
  
• Winterberry

Good to Know

• The blue maid holly shrub is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall.
  
• It has dark green leaves that are 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide.
  
• The blue maid holly shrub produces small, white flowers in the spring.
  
• The blue maid holly shrub is native to the southeastern United States.
  
• It prefers to grow in full sun topartial sun.
  
• The blue maid holly shrub is tolerant of a variety of soils, including clay and sand.
  
• It is drought tolerant once it is established.
  
• The blue maid holly shrub can be used as a hedge or screen.
  
• It is also used as an ornamental plant.
  
• The blue maid holly shrub is susceptible to scale and aphids.

Related plant:
Buddleja Davidii Nanho Blue

How to Grow

1. For blue maid holly shrub, first step is to find a location that gets full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.
   
2. Prepare the planting area by removing all weeds and grasses within a 12-inch radius of where you plan to plant the shrub.
   
3. Use a garden spade to dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the shrub’s root ball.
   
4. Place the shrub’s root ball in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
   
5. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down gently as you go.
   
6. Water the shrub deeply immediately after planting.
   
7. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub, making sure to keep it several inches away from the shrub’s trunk.
   
8. Water the shrub once per week during the first growing season.
   
9. Fertilize the shrub in early spring and again in mid-summer using a slow-release fertilizer formulated for shrubs.
   
10. Prune the shrub as needed to maintain its desired shape.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Serrata Blue Bird

Soil Requirement

About soil condition, the blue maid holly shrub grows best in a well-drained soil, with a pH range of 5.0 to 7.0, in full sun to partial shade. This shrub is also tolerant of most soil types, including clay.

Light requirement

So, like the other hollies, the blue maid holly shrub thrives in full sun. It grows best in well-drained soil that is kept moist. This shrub is relatively easy to care for and is a good choice for beginner gardeners.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is most favorable for the blue maid holly shrub is one that is cool and moist. This shrub prefers shady, moist areas and can tolerate some sun exposure. It is not tolerant of drought conditions or arid climates. The blue maid holly shrub will do best in temperatures that do not exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is high. 60% - 80% relative humidity is about perfect for blue maid holly shrub. If the air is too dry, the leaves may develop brown tips or may even begin to drop off the plant.

The Fertilizer

The fertilizer, this plant needs, is high in nitrogen and low in phosphorus. Fertilize in early spring and mid-fall, following the package directions. The root system is rather shallow and prefers a moist, but well-drained soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.

Plant Pruning

Pruning this plant is important to keeping it healthy and looking its best. The blue maid holly shrub is a beautiful plant that can add curb appeal to any home. This evergreen shrub can grow up to 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide, making it a perfect choice for privacy hedges or foundation plantings. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches. You can also trim back any overgrown branches to help control the size of the plant.

About Propagating

Propagation of blue maid holly shrub is best done by rooting stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is still soft, and they should be about 6 inches long. Cuttings should be placed in a pot filled with a well-drained, sterile potting mix. The pot should be kept moist and placed in a location with bright, indirect light. Once roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 12 to 24 inches per year. The plant grows well in full sun to partial shade, and prefers well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but does not like wet or boggy soil. The blue maid holly shrub is a low-maintenance plant that does not require much fertilizer.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, aphids, and scale. To control caterpillars, use BT (Bacillus thuringiensis) or Spinosad products. For aphids, use insecticidal soap or neem oil. For scale, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

Basics of Growing

• If you are growing blue maid holly shrub from a cutting, dip the cutting in rooting hormone before planting.
  
• Plant blue maid holly shrub in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  
• Amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
  
• Water blue maid holly shrub regularly, especially during the first growing season.
  
• Prune blue maid holly shrub in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage new growth.
  
• Apply a slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
  
• Blue maid holly shrub is generally pest and disease free, but watch for scale and aphids.
  
• Rabbits and deer enjoy eating blue maid holly shrub, so you may need to take measures to protect your plants.
  
• Blue maid holly shrub can be propagated by softwood or semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer.

Related Plants

• B. Myrtifolia
  
• B. Rosmarinifolia
  
• B. Media
  
• B. Pendula
  
• B. Pinnata
  
• B. Oleracea
  
• B. Ornata
  
• B. Rhombifolia
  
• B. Spinosa
  
• B. Unguiculata
  

Source:
Growing holly : University of Illinois Extension
1732 – Holly – PlantTalk Colorado
Holly: a Christmas tradition - MSU Extension