Ilex x meserveae Blue Princess ='Conapri' (f)

Common name: Silver-margined Holly

Description: This elegant female holly cultivar features striking variegated foliage with dark green, spiny leaves boldly edged in creamy-white margins. The silvery variegation provides year-round ornamental interest, creating a bright, eye-catching display in the garden. In spring, small white flowers appear, which develop into glossy red berries in autumn and winter when pollinated by a male holly nearby. The berries persist through winter, providing excellent seasonal interest. The neat, pyramidal growth habit makes this an outstanding specimen for formal gardens, hedging, or topiary work.

Other benefits: evergreen foliage, excellent for hedging and topiary, winter berries, low maintenance

Wildlife attraction: bees, birds (berries provide winter food), pollinators

Height & spread (approx.) at 10 years: 3m x 2m

Position: full sun to partial shade; variegation is best in good light

Soil pH: tolerates a wide range; prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions

Moisture: moderate watering; tolerates some drought once established; prefers well-drained soil

Winter hardiness: fully hardy to -15°C and below