Ilex x meserveae Heckenpracht - Blue Holly

Ilex x meservae 'Heckenpracht' is a variety of Meserve Holly with dark green foliage and a pyramidal habit. It grows relatively slowly and eventually forms a bush that is 2.50 to 3 m (8 ft 2 in to 9 ft 10 in) tall.  It is useful for creating low-maintenance hedges that require very little pruning. This plant thrives in acidic to neutral soils and cannot tolerate limestone. It prefers a good level of soil moisture and does not tolerate drought. Once these conditions are met, it is a low-maintenance bush that can grow well in both full sun and partial shade. Very hardy, its limited growth is well-suited for small gardens. This male variety does not produce berries, but it pollinates female clones, especially 'Heckenfee'. 

The genus Ilex is the only member of the Aquifoliaceae family, but it includes several hundred species. Ilex x meservae is a hybrid obtained in the United States (Long Island, New York) in the 1950s by Kathleen Meserve, by crossing Ilex aquifolium and Ilex rugosa. Ilex aquifolium is our common holly that can be found in forests up to 1500 m (4921 ft 4 in) altitude. Ilex rugosa is a small bush with narrow leaves that are quite different from the former. Native to Japan and Sakhalin Island, it grows in full sun or partial shade and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C!  It has a spreading or prostrate habit, typically not exceeding 60 cm (23.6 in) in height.

Ilex x meservae 'Heckenpracht' is the result of a cross between Ilex aquifolium 'Pyramidalis', which gives it its habit, and Ilex x meservae 'Blue Prince'. Meserve Hollies are commonly referred to as the 'Blue Holly' among English gardeners. However, green is the dominant colour in this holly, so other bushes should be considered if a truly blue appearance is desired! Its new spiny leaves are edged with bronze before turning dark green, and its distinctly pyramidal shape makes it highly decorative. It produces white flowers in spring, but no decorative berries.
The key to success with this bush is to find a location that meets its soil requirements. It has specific soil preferences and does not transplant well, so it is best to choose the right spot from the start. 

This 'Heckenpracht' Meserve Holly' is an excellent hedging plant that requires minimal maintenance (Heckenpracht translates to 'hedge' and 'splendor' in German...). It does not require pruning, except perhaps for controlling its width and preventing the hedge from becoming too thick. It is also great for mass planting, especially in contemporary gardens where its architectural form complements modern architectural shapes. It can create contemporary scenes when paired with topiary or architectural conifers, with the forms and foliage colours replacing the need for flowers. The Pinus strobus Minuta, with its cushion-like flattened habit and slow growth, pairs perfectly with this holly, as does the small Photinia Little Red Robin with its rounded habit and red young shoots. In partially shaded areas, the Salix integra Hakuro Nishiki or Dappled Willow is also a good companion with its variegated green, white, and pink foliage, which adds vibrancy to our holly's foliage.