Holly Blue Prince: attractive and dense foliage all year
Ilex is a member of the holly genus. As the name Blue Prince suggests, the dark green foliage of this versatile shrub is actually slightly bluish. The epithet also refers to a male plant. From May to June, small white flowers appear in the leaf axils of the previous year's shoots. Due to its sex, Blue Prince does not bear fruit. Bright red berries only form on female shrubs, which are called Blue Princess, as you would expect. Because they are biparental plants, a fertilisation partner is always needed nearby for spherical fruits to ripen. If you want to buy a holly that produces berries in autumn, a pair is recommended. A fruiting holly hedge should consist of several female specimens and at least one male holly.
Plant description: Ilex Blue Prince
This elegant species of holly grows upright and well-branched to a maximum of 2-3 m in height. Glossy leaves have an oval shape. Some are slightly wavy, others smooth. Thorn tips protrude from the toothed edges. However, they are less prickly than those of the holly. The foliage also feels softer. The easy-care and frost-resistant holly thrives in both sun and shade. The soil should be well-drained and not acidic. Basically, Ilex Blue Prince can cope with normal garden soil.
Planting holly hedges
The evergreen and dense growth ensures absolute privacy. For a closed row, 4-5 plants per linear metre are required. Ilex Blue Prince has pruning properties and can therefore be shaped excellently.
Holly as a substitute for boxwood
The enthusiasm for the once so popular boxwoods has turned into the opposite in recent years. Ever since the boxwood borer, which was introduced from East Asia, only leaves bare branches after infestation, there is no longer any interest in Buxus. The danger is too great that the trees will be damaged by fruit. The boxwood fungus is also causing increasing difficulties for the trees. Buying a holly or planting a holly hedge, on the other hand, will ensure long-lasting enjoyment of the plants.
Uses
Blue Prince is suitable for all areas to which small children and pets have access. As no berries develop, there is no need to worry about them being swallowed. In natural and residential gardens, the shrubs are preferred for edging the property. In contrast, the holly is fascinating in groups or singly. Flowering shrubs such as forsythia, hibiscus and snowball can be placed between the holly hedge to loosen up the overall picture. Otherwise, perennials (prickly pear, lavenderand torch lily) planted in front of the Büsche bring colour to the garden.
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