Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly

Ilex x meserveae 'WillEmer'

Nature Hills Nursery

Stunning Two-Tone Foliage with Red-Tipped New Growth and High-Gloss Blue-Green Leaves
Thrives in Zones 5 - 9
Showy White Blooms From Early Spring to Late Spring
Ideal for Privacy Screen or Hedge
Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Songbirds

$91⁴¹

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This evergreen thrives in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light daily. While it tolerates more shade than other hollies, more sunlight results in a denser growth habit and a more prolific display of bright red berries.
Soil: Plant in moist, well drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay, plant in a raised mound to improve drainage, or mix in organic compost to loosen sandy soils that dry out too quickly.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, provide 1 inch of water per week to help the root system settle into its new home. Once established, Emerald Magic is quite resilient, but inconsistent watering during summer dry spells can cause the foliage to lose its luster or lead to early berry drop. Aim for deep soakings at the base of the plant rather than frequent light sprinklings to encourage deep, drought resistant roots.

Pruning Tips

Since this holly blooms on old wood, the best time to prune is in early spring before new growth begins to emerge. Use sharp shears to maintain its naturally rounded shape or to remove stray branches, much like giving the shrub a light seasonal haircut. Pruning at this time ensures you do not cut off the flower buds that will eventually become the signature red winter berries.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer designed for acid loving evergreens in early spring as the ground thaws. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall, as this encourages tender new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. This late season growth is easily damaged by winter burn, which can leave the foliage looking brown and scorched by spring.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Deer-resistant, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	3-4 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Upright
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Holly
Botanical Name	Ilex x meserveae 'WillEmer'
Species	x meserveae
Cultivar	WillEmer
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

A high shine sturdy accent and the deep blue-green, broad-leaf evergreen structure of the Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly (Ilex x meserveae 'WillEmer') is a fantastic backbone for any garden design! Bright and colorful, the dark green foliage has a blue tone and a high-gloss shine!

The serrated edges are pokey like traditional Holly but retain that classic leaf shape. New growth has amazing red stems and red edges, giving the entire shrub a luscious two-tone effect! Dense, bushy, and rounded, Emerald Magic® evergreen Hollies grow to about 4 feet tall and wide, however, can prune to any size or shape! Hardy throughout USDA growing zones 5 to 9, this wonderful shrub even displays burgundy-tinged fall color!

White flowers appear and attract pollinators, but Emerald Magic® is a male Holly so there is no messy fruit! Letting the shiny, fine-textured foliage and strong foliage color take center stage and provide a strong presence in the garden for all seasons! This is an excellent male Blue Holly pollinator for Blue female Hollies!

Planting and Application:

A remarkably polished shrub with blue-green leaves, Emerald Magic® is a stand-out specimen or high-style accent. Emerald Magic® highlights any bed or border, and complements any garden style! The pointed leaves offer great defense against trespassers while looking pretty and inviting!

A row of Emerald Magic® sparkles as a privacy hedge or low barrier, or a winding row to define your property. A pair of Holly sentries will welcome guests to your front door, especially since Emerald Magic® fits amazingly as a container plant or into your favorite urn as a thriller!

A steady evergreen presence like this melds with all garden styles and sizes! Faster growing, Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly means privacy with no waiting. The dense growth lends itself perfectly as lush screening specimens!

Plant one as an accent in your favorite garden urn or on a raised berm to further set this amazing plant apart from the rest! Create garden vignettes by planting a curved row of these impressive shrubs around a focal point, garden seating or sculpture! Boost curb appeal exponentially as a low foundation planting. Plus, Emerald Magic® can handle the edge of wooded areas and wildlife gardens without attention from deer!

Attractive Glossy Blue-Green Foliage
Traditional Holly Leaf With Small Spines
Fast-Growing Dense Rounded Form
New Growth Has Red Stems & Edges
Broad-Leaved Evergreen With Burgundy Tinge In Fall!
Small White Blossoms Attracts Pollinators
Fruitless Male Holly

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Heat and cold hardy in zones 4 through 9, Meserve Holly prefer partial sun in hot climates, while handling full sun in cooler zones. Holly needs slightly acidic soil conditions and can become chlorotic in alkaline. Also needing higher moisture, it must be well-drained soils. Requiring well-watered soil in full sun for best results. Standing up to urban pollution, they're not particular about soil type. Doing well in both sandy and clay soils, Blue Holly won't mind some salinity and are strong against the wind.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Moist Well-Drained Soils
Easy Care & Low Maintenance
Little To No Pruning
Resistant to Salt, Deer, Rabbits & Pollution!

Extremely attractive shrubs like Emerald Magic® are surprisingly low maintenance while adding immense character in return! Order this colorful evergreen today from Nature Hills Nursery and let Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly brighten your landscape magically!

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'WillEmer' Emerald Magic Meserve Holly ~ Love!

We received 3 very healthy, dark green plants (Spring 2023) with 17" tall & wide growth in #3 sized pots (2.4 gallon). They look beautiful (already!) along our Full Sun front bed (and are a beautiful contrast with Twist-of-Lime Abelia and the small "Flirt" Nandinas (we prefer the more robust-looking "Obsession" Nandinas but the smaller "Flirts" are OK). Other online nurseries CLAIM to have 'WillEmer' hollies in stock, but (after MUCH effort and online messaging) the other companies do not actually have the product. I have already recommended these plants via NatureHills.com to many, many neighbors. It took awhile to receive the order (fyi) but my enthusiastic-patience was well-rewarded!

Dear BJB,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your wonderful experience with the ‘WillEmer’ Emerald Magic Meserve Holly! We’re delighted to hear you found the plants healthy and vibrant, especially noting their impressive size and beautiful contrast alongside your Twist-of-Lime Abelia and “Flirt” Nandinas. It’s great to know your patience paid off and that those Hollies are thriving in your full sun front bed.

We truly appreciate your recommendations to neighbors—that means the world to us and helps grow our community of plant lovers! Regarding the delivery timeframe, we’re grateful for your understanding as seasonal demand can sometimes impact shipping durations. To help you get even more out of your new hollies, feel free to visit our online Plant Care guide specifically for hollies. It offers excellent tips on watering, pruning, and pest prevention that can keep your emerald beauties looking their best.

If you have any questions or want to explore robust “Obsession” Nandinas or other complementary plants, we’re always happy to assist with personalized suggestions. Your garden sounds like it’s blossoming beautifully—thank you for letting us be a part of it!

Bloom on,
The Nature Hills Plant Knowledge Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly suitable for?

Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 9. This broad range makes it suitable for most temperate climates across the United States. Check your specific zone before planting to ensure long-term success.

What is the mature height and width of Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly?

Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly reaches 4 feet tall and wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for smaller gardens, containers, or formal hedging. You can easily prune it to maintain any desired size or shape throughout the growing season.

Does Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly produce berries, or is it a male plant?

Emerald Magic® is a male Holly that produces white flowers but no berries. This eliminates the mess of fallen fruit while providing excellent pollination for female Blue Hollies. Plant it near female varieties if you want berry production on other plants.

What are the light requirements for Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly—full sun or partial shade?

Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable shrub performs well in various light exposures throughout zones 5-9. For best foliage color and dense growth, provide at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

How often should I water Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly, especially when newly planted?

Water newly planted Emerald Magic® Holly deeply twice weekly for the first month, then weekly until established. Once mature in zones 5-9, this drought-tolerant shrub needs watering only during dry spells. Check soil moisture 2 inches down and water when dry.

How do I prune Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly, and when is the best time?

Prune Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This hardy shrub naturally grows 4 feet tall and wide but responds well to shaping. Make clean cuts just above outward-facing buds to maintain its dense, rounded form.

What fertilizer is best for Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly, and how often?

Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring for best results. Emerald Magic® Holly thrives with one annual feeding, though you can add a light summer application in zones 5-6 where growing seasons are shorter. Apply around the drip line, not against the trunk.

Is Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly deer or rabbit resistant?

Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly's pointed, serrated leaves provide excellent natural defense against deer and rabbits. The spiky foliage texture that deters trespassers works equally well against browsing wildlife. Plant strategically around vulnerable plants for protection.

Will Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly ship bare root or potted, and what is the shipping cost?

Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly typically ships as a potted plant rather than bare root for better establishment. Shipping costs vary by location and plant size, so check the specific product page for current rates. Order in early spring or fall for best planting success in zones 5-9.

Emerald Magic® Meserve Holly

Ilex x meserveae 'WillEmer'