Ilex x meserveae Blue Princess

Broad, upright, evergreen shrub; eventually matures to 10-15' tall by 8-10' wide. Dark purplish stems and glossy, blue-green leaves with spiny-toothed margins. Tiny, whitish flowers appear in spring; relatively inconspicuous. Fertilized female flowers give way to abundant, dark red fruit that persists throughout the winter. One male is needed for every 3-4 females for best fruit set. Hollies benefit from winter protection.