Ilex meserveae Hecken Star - Blue Holly

Ilex meserveae 'Hecken Star' is a new cultivar of American holly that stands out for the elegance of its habit, with a dense and regular pyramid shape, and the beauty of its foliage, which is sharp and a dark bluish-green colour. This male bush, which does not bear fruit, has also been selected for its ability to pollinate many female varieties that can produce the red fruits we love in its presence. Adorned with small white-pink flowers in spring, this holly remains majestic all year round, even in winter when other plants are dormant.

Native to North America, Ilex x meserveae is a horticultural hybrid obtained in 1964 by cross-breeding Ilex aquifolium, the common holly, and its prostrate cousin, Ilex rugosa. It is a moderately fast-growing bush that prefers deep soils that retain moisture. 'Hecken Star' has a bushy pyramidal habit and reaches a height of about 4m (13ft) and a width of 3m (9ft 10in) at maturity. Its flowering from April to June produces beautiful small flowers in white and variegated pink colour, at the axil of the leaves and the terminal part of the branches, but it does not produce fruit. However, its abundance and the quality of its pollen allow for excellent pollination. Its leaves are alternate, rather narrow, measuring 4 to 5cm (1.6 to 2in) in length, and are very spiny and undulate along the edges. This historic and shiny foliage is very decorative even during the winter months. Its young stems are initially purple to red and then turn a purplish-green colour over time.

When planted alone or shaped into a topiary, this 'Hecken Star' holly will capture attention and surprise. It should be planted in non-calcareous soil and in an open position to promote regular growth. It is essential for fruiting female varieties ('Blue Princess', 'Heckenfee', common holly, or variegated 'Argenteomarginata'), and it is perfect in a mixed evergreen hedge. It can also be an elegant specimen in a large container on a terrace. It is worth noting that this bush is resistant to air pollution and salt spray.