Serving the Kansas City Metro for over 25 Years
Public Plant Profile

Blue Princess Holly

Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Princess'

Category: Evergreen Shrub • Holly

Blue Princess Holly is an evergreen shrub known for its attractive berries and dense foliage, perfect for privacy and foundation planting.

Mature Height: 4-6 feet
Mature Width: 3-4 feet
Light: Part Sun/Part Shade
Zone: Zones 5-9
Maintenance: Moderate
Growth Rate: Moderate
Season of Interest: Multi-season
Foliage: Evergreen
Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Blue Princess Holly is a popular evergreen shrub known for its glossy, dark green leaves and bright red berries. It is a female cultivar that requires a male pollinator to produce fruit.

Ideal Conditions

Prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Requires moderate moisture and can tolerate a range of soil types.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained soil is ideal, with moderate moisture levels. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH and is adaptable to various soil conditions.

Sun Needs

Part Sun/Part Shade

Watering Needs

Water regularly, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.

Pruning Notes

Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.

Fertilizing Notes

Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth.

Common Issues

May face issues with leaf spot, scale insects, and poor berry production if not pollinated.

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

foundation plantingspecimenscreening

Special Features

Evergreen foliageattractive berrieswildlife-friendly

Wildlife Value

Attracts birds and provides habitat.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant once established.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for creating privacy screens or as a focal point in gardens. Its dense growth habit makes it effective for hedging.

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Use this page to get a feel for where Blue Princess Holly may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

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Is Blue Princess Holly a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

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