Name: The Plant Company
Address: 284 Meeanee Road, Meeanee, Napier, 4112, New Zealand
Telephone: 0800 843 752
Price range: Contact Us
Rating: 4.8/5

ilex x meserveae blue angel

ilex x meserveae blue angel is a standout holly shrub, prized by New Zealand gardeners for its steely blue-green foliage, dense growth habit, and reliable winter interest. This outstanding plant not only adds year-round structure to the landscape but also serves as a hardy, evergreen backdrop for a wide variety of plant combinations. Whether you're cultivating a formal hedge, chasing winter berries, or simply looking for a low-maintenance shrub with true staying power, ilex x meserveae blue angel delivers on style and performance.

A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.

Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata ‘Convexa’ is a compact, evergreen shrub with dense, glossy green foliage and a naturally rounded form. The small, convex leaves give it a fine texture, making it an excellent choice for low hedging, topiary, and formal borders. It grows to around 1 m tall and 1.2 m wide with a slow to moderate growth rate. This hardy plant thrives in full sun or partial shade, prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and is easy to maintain in NZ gardens.

Buy Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly)

From $26.93

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Shrubs

Height: 1.00 m

Spread: 1.20 m

Flowering time: Spring

Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas, Topiary

Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock, White

Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oatgrass)

Helictotrichon sempervirens, commonly known as Blue Oatgrass, is a lovely and popular ornamental grass featuring distinct, blue foliage. It grows as a mound up to 35 cm tall and 40 cm wide producing slender and erect leaves. Helictotrichon sempervirens is widely used by landscape designers due to its versatility and aesthetic appeal. The Blue Oat Grass is commonly mass planted, included in borders and mixed plantings, used in alpine themed gardens, or planted to brighten a dull area.

Buy Helictotrichon sempervirens (Blue Oatgrass)

From $16.88

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Grasses

Height: 35 cm

Spread: 40 cm

Flowering time: Summer

Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas

Garden styles: Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern

What Is ilex x meserveae blue angel?

ilex x meserveae blue angel, sometimes simply called Ilex Blue Angel, is a female clone in the popular Meserve hybrid holly group. It's cultivated for its spiny, glossy blue-green leaves and compact, pyramidal habit. When paired with a compatible male holly, such as Ilex Blue Prince, this shrub rewards gardeners with rich red berries through autumn and winter, adding colour and wildlife interest to borders and screens.

Ideal Growing Conditions

ilex x meserveae blue angel is well-suited to New Zealand’s climate, thriving in full sun to partial shade and tolerating a range of soils as long as drainage is reliable. It’s known for its excellent cold hardiness, standing up to frosty mornings and brisk winter winds. For best results, plant ilex x meserveae blue angel in garden beds enriched with compost and mulch well to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Landscape Uses

If you enjoy evergreen hedging with an architectural edge, ilex x meserveae blue angel is an excellent choice. Use it for security hedges, screening, or as a dramatic specimen. Its naturally compact shape means it requires minimal pruning, yet it responds well to being lightly clipped for a more formal effect. For landscape diversity, consider planting alongside other striking evergreens, or contrast its foliage with hostas, such as Hosta Blue Angel or Hosta Earth Angel, for an inspiring blend of textures.

Companions and Alternatives

While ilex x meserveae blue angel is beloved for berries and foliage, you may wish to explore additional hollies for a complete effect. Pairing it with Ilex Blue Prince ensures optimal pollination and a beautiful show of berries. If you’re looking for a similar, smaller-leafed shrub, Ilex crenata Convexa (Japanese Holly) provides an elegant, tightly-clipped look and works perfectly in formal garden schemes or as a boxwood alternative.

Care and Maintenance

ilex x meserveae blue angel is valued for its ease of care. Water regularly during dry spells and mulch annually. Minimal pruning is required – just remove any dead or unsightly growth in late winter or early spring. When happy, this shrub rewards you with dense, healthy foliage and, if a male holly is nearby, a bounty of vibrant berries for both you and the birds.

If you’re keen to brighten your garden with reliable structure and year-round appeal, ilex x meserveae blue angel is a superb investment for New Zealand gardeners. Explore the range, including Ilex Blue Angel and other unique hollies, to create a garden with enduring beauty.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.