Ilex × meserveae 'Golden Prince' (m)
Bushy evergreen shrub about 4m tall, with small, glossy toothed dark and pale green leaves with golden-yellow edges. New stems emerge bright burgundy red. Small white flowers appear in spring, with sometimes a second flush in the autumn. This variety is male so does not produce berries but is a good pollinator
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | White | Green Gold | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Gold | |||
| Autumn | Green Gold | |||
| Winter | Green Gold |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Aquifoliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Fruit are ornamental - not to be eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Ilex can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs and trees with often spiny leaves, small white flowers (male and female usually on separate plants) and, on female plants, showy berries in autumn
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun or partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1; trim hedges in early spring
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects, holly leaf miner and young shoots may be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to holly leaf blight, Phytophthora root rot and sometimes honey fungus
Get involved
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