This cultivar shrub is upright and spreading with numerous woody stems that form a bushy habit. It has glossy dark green spiny leaves and the small white-pinkish cup-shaped flowers appear in clusters during spring and followed by red berry-like fruit.

Hardiness zones 5 to 9

Ilex x meserveaeis a cultivar that was derived from Ilex rugosa(a prostrate plant) and Ilex aquifoliumby Mrs. F. Leighton Meserve in the 1950's.

It prefers a well drained fertile moist loam that is rich and organic in an open sunny position and is drought tender but frost tolerant.

Blue Holly is grown for its foliage and its compact habit. It is planted in parks and gardens along borders for screening or trimmed to form a hedge. It is suitable for inland regions and establishes in 3 to 4 years. It is also planted in along embankments or in commercial sites and there are many cultivars available. ID 2729

Ilex(EYE-lecks)x meserveae(mer-SERV-ee-ie)

Aquifoliaceae(a-kwee-foh-lee-AY-see-ee)