Ilex meserveae Mesid - Blue Holly

Ilex x meservae 'Mesid' is a variety of female holly with dense blue-green foliage. It grows quite slowly, eventually forming a beautiful shrub, adorned with its evergreen leaves and red fruits in autumn and winter. It is a plant suited for acidic to neutral soils that cannot tolerate limestone or drought. Once these conditions are met, it requires almost no maintenance and can thrive in both full sun and partial shade. Very hardy, its limited growth is well-suited for small gardens.

The genus Ilex is the only member of the Aquifoliaceae family, but it comprises several hundred species.  Ilex x meservae is a hybrid obtained in the United States (Long Island, New York) in the 1950s by Kathleen Meserve, crossing Ilex aquifolium and Ilex rugosa. Ilex aquifolium is the Common Holly that can be found in forests up to an altitude of 1500 m (4921 ft 4 in). Thriving in the coolness of the undergrowth, this species can live for several hundred years and is characterised by its dark green, leathery, spiny leaves, as well as its decorative red berries on female plants. Ilex rugosa is a small shrub with narrow leaves that are quite different from the common holly. Native to Japan and Sakhalin Island, it grows in full sun or partial shade and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C (-40 °F)! Usually not exceeding 60 cm (23.6 in) in height, it has a spreading or prostrate habit.

Ilex x meservae 'Mesid' is also known as 'Blue Maid' due to the slightly bluish tint of its foliage. This is a common characteristic of Meserve hollies, which is why they are referred to as 'Blue Holly' by English gardeners. This Mesid holly grows at a medium rate during the first few years, then slows down to become denser. Eventually, it forms a conical or more or less pyramidal bush, reaching a height of about 3.50 m (11 ft 6 in) to 4 m, with a spread of about half its height. Its foliage is a mix of its two parents, wider than that of Ilex rugosa but much less spiny than that of Ilex aquifolium. In fact, it is more toothed than spiny, which is rather advantageous.
Being a female variety (hollies are dioecious, with plants either male or female), this Mesid holly produces attractive red decorative berries. Please note that these spherical fruits are toxic to humans and remain throughout part of the winter before being consumed by birds. The flowers that bloom in May-June will develop into fruits provided they are pollinated by a male holly, such as the variety 'Heckenstar', 'Blue Prince', or 'Little Rascal'.

This decorative Mesid holly can potentially be used as a hedge, but it is better suited for mixed borders. Care should be taken to associate it with other slow-growing shrubs so as not to hinder its development. Witch Hazels can be used to create stunning winter scenes, combining their spidery, yellow, orange, or red blooms with the beautiful red berries of our holly. With a similar growth rate and development, they make great companions. Kalmias with their superb spring blooms also coexist very well, as do the magnificent Camellias with their varied colours and flowering periods, allowing for an attractive scene throughout the year.