Ilex × meserveae ‘Mesid’

We’ve grown this female holly on our Thurning ground for years; it’s one of the hardiest you can get. The leaves are a distinctive glossy, dark blue-green, held on purple stems. In spring, small white flowers appear which, if pollinated by a male holly like ‘Blue Prince’, are followed by a fantastic display of bright red berries. These last well into the colder months, providing a welcome splash of colour.

This is a dense, bushy shrub with a naturally neat, conical shape. It will eventually reach around 4 metres in height. ‘Blue Maid’ is a reliable grower in most conditions, happy in full sun or partial shade and tolerant of most moist, well-drained soils. It’s a tough plant that stands up well to exposed sites and the UK climate.

For the best berry display, remember to plant a male holly nearby. It doesn’t need much looking after, but if you want to keep it tidy or to a certain size, a light prune in late winter after the berries have gone is ideal. It’s a superb choice for adding structure and year-round interest to borders or for creating a dense, formal hedge.