Ilex X Meserveae Berryific Holly ‘Berryific’ (Size: 4-5′)

Meserve Hybrid Holly is a cold hardy, medium-sized, hybrid, broadleaf evergreen shrub in the Aquifoliaceae or holly family. These bushy hollies typically grow to 3 to 8 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide, although some occasionally reach 15 feet in height. They have a variable growth habit from vase-shaped to rounded and a slow growth rate. The foliage of this plant is remarkably similar to that of Ilex x xaquipernyi. The Meserve Hybrid Holly has numerous spines that are flexible and almost rubbery, and the leaves are not convex. Its leaves are also small, leathery, waxy, dark green to blue-green, and the stems are purplish-green. Small white to pinkish-white flowers bloom in the spring, and vibrant red berries appear in the fall and persist through the winter.

This hybrid resulted from a cross between I. aquifolium  (noted for its winter hardiness) and I. rugosa (an English-style holly) by Kathleen Meserve of St. James New York. Her hybrid is intended to create an English holly that withstands harsh northeastern winters and includes several cultivars collectively known as Meserve hollies. They are also called “Blue Hollies” because of the bluish cast to the leaves.

Size: 4-5′