Blue holly, so named for the glossy blue-green leaves, is a dense, vigorous shrub that can reach 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. Insignificant flowers bloom in late spring. Female plants have glossy red fruit. There are many cultivars available.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsBlue holly is a cross of I. rugosa and I. aquifolium.
CareProvide full sun to partial shade and moist but well-drained soil. Thinning and formal shaping can occur throughout the life of the plant.
PropagationTake cuttings in summer or early fall.
ProblemsAphids may attack new growth. Also watch for scale insects and leaf miners.
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- Genus : Ilex
- Plant Height : 10 to 15 feet
- Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
- Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Bloom Time : Late Spring
- Moisture : Medium Moisture
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Characteristics : Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit
- Plant Type : Shrubs
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
- Flower Color : White
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