{"product_id":"ilex-x-meserveae-blue-maid-blue-holly-large-evergreen-specimen","title":"Ilex x meserveae Blue Maid (Blue Holly) - Large Evergreen Specimen","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Maid' stands out as a durable, tall-growing blue holly well suited for homeowners and landscapers who want a strong evergreen specimen or a dramatic hedgerow. Delivered in a 3-gallon trade pot and ready to plant, the single biggest reason to buy is its combination of deep blue-green foliage and reliable late fall red berry display that adds seasonal interest and year-round structure to the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer ready:\u003c\/strong\u003e Arrives fully rooted in a 3-gallon trade pot so it can be planted immediately when weather permits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eZone adaptable:\u003c\/strong\u003e Performs best in USDA Zones 5-8, making it suitable for a wide range of temperate gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape scale:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mature height of 15-18 ft and spread of 8-10 ft lets it serve as a strong specimen tree or part of a formal hedge.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeasonal interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Deep blue-green evergreen foliage contrasts attractively with bright red berries that appear in late fall and early winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePollination needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Berry set requires a male pollinator nearby, so planning planting partners improves fruiting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 'Blue Maid' is ideal for homeowners, gardeners and landscape professionals who want a low-maintenance evergreen with ornamental berries and a tall, pyramidal form. It suits those planning a mixed hedge, a focal specimen near an entryway, or a planting that provides winter color and structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is not the best choice for very small yards or containers expecting long-term growth, nor for gardeners in USDA zones outside 5-8 or those who cannot provide a male pollinator if berry production is essential.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVigorous, healthy plants arrive ready to plant in a 3-gallon pot, reducing transplant shock.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAttractive deep blue-green foliage with abundant red berries adds year-round and seasonal interest.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrows tall and pyramidal, making a strong specimen or an effective hedge over time.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRequires a separate male pollinator for reliable berry production, which needs planning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge mature size may be unsuitable for very small landscapes or indoor use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGreen Promise Farms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eContainer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3-gallon trade pot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5-8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature height\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e15-18 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature spread\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8-10 ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRed berries in late fall\/early winter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSun exposure\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrows well in full sun\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Maid' is a solid choice for anyone wanting a dramatic evergreen with winter berry interest; it arrives healthy in a 3-gallon pot and establishes quickly in suitable climates. Given its size, durability and attractive foliage-to-berry contrast, it offers strong value for landscape use where a tall specimen or formal hedge is desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen can I plant the Blue Maid?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePlant upon arrival when ground and weather are not frozen; avoid frigid winter months and drought conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it produce berries without another plant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, a nearby male pollinator is necessary for consistent berry production.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow large will it get and where is it best planted?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMatures about 15-18 ft tall with an 8-10 ft spread and performs best in full sun within USDA Zones 5-8.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Green Promise Farms","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48263436665051,"sku":"B06XQ8BVD8","price":41.94,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/91uzsrLGIsL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1778272264","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/ilex-x-meserveae-blue-maid-blue-holly-large-evergreen-specimen","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}