Ilex × meserveae ‘Heckenpracht’ – Dense Evergreen Holly for Hedging & Screening
Ilex × meserveae ‘Heckenpracht’ is a robust male blue holly variety valued for its dense, upright growth and glossy blue-green foliage. Specifically bred for hedging, it forms a tidy, elegant screen that provides year-round structure and privacy. With excellent cold and wind tolerance, it’s a superb alternative to Yew or Box for evergreen structure in both formal and naturalistic gardens.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Fresh green growth emerges, maturing to deep, glossy blue-green.
Summer: Thick evergreen foliage maintains a compact, bushy habit.
Autumn: Holds strong colour and structure as other plants fade.
Winter: Retains a dense, dark sheen — providing shelter, privacy, and winter interest.
Key Features
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Dense upright habit – Forms a solid, uniform hedge with minimal gaps.
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Evergreen foliage – Glossy blue-green leaves provide year-round structure.
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Male variety – No berries produced, so it stays clean and tidy.
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Hardy and resilient – Excellent tolerance to wind, shade, and cold.
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Low maintenance – Easy to trim once or twice a year to keep neat.
Perfect For
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Medium to tall hedges – Ideal for privacy or boundary planting.
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Formal gardens – Provides crisp evergreen lines for structure and definition.
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Sheltered screens – Effective as a windbreak or background planting.
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Evergreen structure – Pairs beautifully with slower-growing conifers or Portuguese laurel.
Growing Tips
Sun/Position: Thrives in full sun to partial shade; tolerates exposed and coastal conditions.
Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil (neutral to slightly acidic). Avoid waterlogging.
Hardiness: Fully hardy across the UK.
Care: Trim lightly once or twice a year to maintain shape. Feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser to encourage dense growth. Water regularly during establishment.
Looks Great With
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Box and Yew alternatives – Euonymus ‘Green Spire’, Ilex crenata, or Taxus baccata.
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Flowering shrubs – Camellia, Hydrangea, or Viburnum tinus for contrast.
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Grasses and ferns – Add softness beneath the glossy evergreen foliage.
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Companion evergreens – Photinia ‘Red Robin’ or Prunus lusitanica for colour variation.
Ilex × meserveae ‘Heckenpracht’ is a premium evergreen holly offering year-round privacy, structure, and durability. Its compact growth, glossy foliage, and reliable hardiness make it an outstanding choice for neat, formal hedging that looks smart in every season.
Guide to Planting Field-Grown Root Balled Plants
Pros:
- Established Roots: Typically stronger, established roots ensure better initial growth.
- Immediate Impact: Larger plants provide instant structure and aesthetics.
Cons:
- Heavy and Bulky: Can be difficult to transport and plant due to size and weight.
- Seasonal Availability: Generally available only in the dormant season (autumn to early spring).
Preparation for Planting:
- Unwrap Carefully: Remove any packaging material, but leave the burlap or wire basket on.
- Keep plants moist: Plants should be kept moist until the time of planting.
Planting Process:
- Dig a Hole: Make a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Position Plant: Place the root ball in the hole, ensuring the top is level with the ground surface.
- Do Not Remove Root Sack: Leave the burlap or wire basket around the root ball. It is bio degradable and will rot away naturally.
- Backfill: Fill the hole with soil, firming gently around the roots to eliminate air pockets.
- Water: Water deeply after planting to settle the soil and avoid wilting.
Possibility of Losses:
- Initial Shock: Some plants may suffer transplant shock, leading to potential losses.
- Mitigation: Proper care and consistent watering during the establishment phase can minimise this risk.
Main Causes of Failure:
- Improper Planting Depth: Planting too deep or too shallow can stress the roots.
- Poor Soil Conditions: Compacted or poorly drained soil can hinder root growth.
- Insufficient Watering: Both under-watering and over-watering can lead to plant stress and failure. Strong wind can dry leafy pants.
- Pest and Disease: Lack of protection and monitoring can result in damage from pests and diseases.
Tips for Success:
- Stake Larger Plants: Support with stakes to prevent wind damage.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
- Regular Monitoring: Check for signs of stress, pests, and disease, and address them promptly.
By following these guidelines and providing consistent aftercare, you can successfully plant and establish field-grown root balled plants in your garden.
Does the height include the pot?
No, we measure from the top of the pot to the tip of the plant except for some of the instant planted screens, in this case it will be stated in the description
How long does delivery take?
Most orders are delivered in just a few days, Smaller items are often sent with Parcelforce on a next day service, Larger items should allow up to 10 days due to the size of the items they often have to be sent on our own transport.
Where will you leave my plants?
We will leave your order at the front of your property, Parcelforce may
leave your items in a safe place if you let us know, Pallet couriers
will require a flat hard surface to deliver to, no gravel or soil, a
driveway or parking spot would be best. Most importantly Deliveries by
pallet courier will require access for a large truck (bin lorry sized)
to get near the delivery point. Deliveries sent on our own transport may come in a small van or larger truck.
