{"product_id":"ilex-meserveae-alaska-1-2-standard-35-litre-pot","title":"Ilex Meserveae Alaska 1\/2 Standard 7.5 Litre Pot","description":"\u003ch3\u003eIlex × meserveae 'Alaska' – Blue Holly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBold, beautiful, and reliably hardy, \u003cstrong\u003eIlex × meserveae 'Alaska'\u003c\/strong\u003e is one of the finest of the blue hollies — a group of hybrids renowned for their exceptional cold-hardiness and outstanding ornamental presence. 'Alaska' is a female cultivar that bears dense clusters of vivid \u003cstrong\u003ered berries\u003c\/strong\u003e from autumn through winter, provided a compatible male pollinator is growing nearby. These jewel-bright berries stand out brilliantly against the plant's distinctively dark, \u003cstrong\u003eglossy blue-green foliage\u003c\/strong\u003e, making it one of the most eye-catching hollies available for the garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are spiny-edged and richly coloured, with a deep, almost metallic sheen that gives the plant its characteristic 'blue holly' quality. In spring, small white flowers appear among the foliage, attracting early pollinators before the plant settles into its role as a handsome evergreen backdrop through summer. Come autumn and winter, the berry display takes centre stage, providing colour and food for wildlife at the garden's quietest time of year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Alaska' forms a dense, upright to broadly pyramidal shrub with a naturally tidy habit, making it well suited to use as a specimen, as part of a mixed evergreen border, or clipped into a structured hedge or screen. It is exceptionally hardy — more so than many other hollies — and performs reliably even in exposed or colder gardens where less robust varieties may struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowing conditions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePosition:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eIlex × meserveae\u003c\/em\u003e 'Alaska' thrives in \u003cstrong\u003efull sun to partial shade\u003c\/strong\u003e. A sunnier position will encourage the most prolific berry production, though the plant adapts well to shadier spots and retains its rich foliage colour across a range of aspects. It is tolerant of exposed and windy sites, making it a dependable choice for challenging garden positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best grown in \u003cstrong\u003emoist, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil\u003c\/strong\u003e. It adapts to most fertile garden soils but dislikes prolonged waterlogging. Incorporating organic matter at planting will help establish a strong root system, particularly on heavier soils. Once established, 'Alaska' is reasonably drought-tolerant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e As a female cultivar, 'Alaska' requires a \u003cstrong\u003ecompatible male blue holly\u003c\/strong\u003e — such as \u003cem\u003eIlex × meserveae\u003c\/em\u003e 'Blue Prince' — growing in reasonable proximity to set its berries. Without a nearby male, flowering will occur but berry production will be poor or absent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCare\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Water regularly during the first growing season to help the plant establish. Once settled in, 'Alaska' is largely self-sufficient, though it benefits from additional watering during prolonged dry spells, particularly when grown in free-draining soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e An application of a \u003cstrong\u003ebalanced or ericaceous fertiliser\u003c\/strong\u003e in early spring supports healthy growth and encourages a good berry crop. Mulching around the base annually with well-rotted compost or bark helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain the slightly acidic soil conditions the plant prefers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePruning:\u003c\/strong\u003e 'Alaska' has a naturally well-shaped, compact habit and requires \u003cstrong\u003every little pruning\u003c\/strong\u003e to maintain its form. If shaping or size reduction is needed, prune in \u003cstrong\u003elate winter or early spring\u003c\/strong\u003e before new growth begins, or lightly after flowering. Avoid heavy cutting in autumn, which may reduce the following season's berry display. When used as a hedge, trim once or twice a year to keep a neat outline.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWildlife value:\u003c\/strong\u003e The berries are an important food source for birds — including thrushes and fieldfares — through the colder months. The spring flowers provide early nectar for bees and other beneficial insects. Please note that the berries, while invaluable to wildlife, are \u003cstrong\u003etoxic to humans and pets\u003c\/strong\u003e if ingested.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Grasslands Nursery","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57365213970758,"sku":"173854","price":108.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0796\/7948\/8326\/files\/Ilex-Meserveae-Alaska-1-2-Standard-35-Litre-Pot_173854_2026-09-14.jpg?v=1789370450","url":"https:\/\/www.grasslands.co.uk\/products\/ilex-meserveae-alaska-1-2-standard-35-litre-pot","provider":"Grasslands Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}