Ilex x meserveae 'Mesid'(BLUE MAID)

Blue Maid Holly

Ilex × meserveae ‘Mesid’ (Blue Maid®) is an evergreen holly valued for its glossy blue-green foliage, dense branching, and abundant bright red berries on female plants when pollinated. The leaves are moderately spined and hold rich blue-green color through winter, creating strong evergreen contrast in colder climates. Its dependable berry display and vigorous habit make it a widely planted blue holly.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 6–8 ft · Height: 8–10 ft
USDA Zones: 4a–7b

Form: Dense, upright-rounded

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Water: Medium; prefers regular moisture during establishment

Wildlife: Berries attract birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for hedges, screening, foundation plantings, and specimen use where cold-hardy evergreen structure and winter berry display are desired.

Care:
Plant in well-drained acidic soil and protect from drying winter winds in exposed sites. Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed. A male pollinator such as Blue Stallion® improves berry production.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

8-10'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Slow

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Hedge, Mass Planting

Shape

Dense, Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No