Royal Family Holly Combo

Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Princess' / Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Prince'

Nature Hills Nursery

Cold-Hardy Blue Prince Holly Combo Ensures Vibrant Red Berries with Male and Female Plants in One Container
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Showy White Blooms in Late Spring
Perfect for Privacy Screen or Hedge
Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Songbirds

$90⁵⁸

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Plant Size

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure the heaviest berry production. While this combo tolerates partial shade, too little sun will result in sparse foliage and significantly fewer bright red berries.
Soil: These hollies thrive in rich, slightly acidic soil that drains well. If you are digging into heavy clay, mix in plenty of compost or peat moss to improve drainage because sitting in waterlogged soil will quickly rot the roots.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water deeply once a week to help the combined root systems of the male and female plants establish. Once mature, these shrubs are moderately drought tolerant, but inconsistent watering during summer dry spells can cause the berries to shrivel or drop before winter.

Pruning Tips

This holly blooms on "old wood" from the previous season, so the best time to prune is in late winter while the plant is still dormant. Treat this like a light shaping rather than a heavy chop to keep the male and female plants balanced in size without removing too many future flower buds. This timing ensures you don't cut off the developing berries in summer or autumn.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a granular, slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants (like Holly-tone) in early spring before new growth begins. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season, as this encourages soft, new growth that will be damaged by the first hard frost.

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	Attracts Birds, Attracts pollinators, Cold hardy, Container Friendly, Deer-resistant, Evergreen, Full Sun, Hedge/Screen, Low Maintenance, Non-invasive, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Shade Tolerant
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	6-10 ft
Width	6-8 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 'Blue Princess' / Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Prince'
Species	x meserveae
Cultivar	Blue Princess
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Red winter berries! We've taken both the Female and Male varieties of Blue Holly broadleaf evergreens and carefully grown them together in the same container - creating this fantastic 2-in-1 Royal Family Holly Combo (lex x meserveae 'Blue Princess and Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Prince')! You'll be ensured of proper pollination needed for the very best display of those classically showy red Holly berries.

The display begins in spring with tiny white flowers, that slowly transition into round green fruit that ripens to eye-catching red. The effect of bright red against the glossy green foliage is breathtaking, especially when contrasted against the winter snow or against the muted tones of the dormant season.

Elegant broadleaf evergreen Blue Hollies really look sophisticated all year long, with their incredibly shiny, dark blue-green, serrated leaves and deep purple stems. They feature those distinctive spines along the toothed margins. You'll instantly recognize the unique shape of the Holly foliage - long celebrated in literature and folklore!

Love the Holidays? Grow your own decorations with the wonderful specialty Holly from the expert growers at Nature Hills! Enjoy a huge yearly fruit set of those bright red Holly berries! Our "Royal Family" comes from combining these two royal family members!

Planting and Application:

This lovely broad-leaved evergreen plant combo makes the perfect screening plants, barrier plants, or specimen plantings! The Royal Family Holly Combo grows into an elegant broad-leaved evergreen. It easily elevates the tone of your landscape with its densely held formal foliage. The high-gloss leaves bounce reflected sunlight to marvelous effect.

This is an excellent choice to use to create living walls for outdoor rooms in your garden. Create a Secret Garden or outdoor dining room using these dense, ornamental evergreens for screening. These formal plants create a beautiful screening hedge or grouping and give you effortless year-round privacy. Plant them 3 feet apart on center for a dense hedge. You'll measure from the center of one to the center of the next.

Use an odd number of plants to create a focal point grouping in the lawn or try one on either side of your entryway. No matter where or how you use the Royal Family Holly Combo, you'll add much-needed, year-round structure to your garden design. Use them strategically to direct traffic as a beautiful barrier plant. Those spines on the leaves will easily keep people in line without shouting or making a fuss about it.

Live in deer country? They don't like to bother with Royal Family Holly. But local songbirds will love its berries (which are not edible for humans). Create bird-friendly shelterbelts that slow wind, reduce noise, and hold back drifting snow!

If you prefer a more informal look, simply expand the space between them to 5 feet. Allow them to grow in their full, natural style. Try Royal Family Holly plants as a gorgeous evergreen backdrop on the north side of a colorful mixed shrub border or perennial border. These special plants are great as anchor plants on a corner of a house or garage and will work beautifully around the patio. They look wonderful planted on the edge of a woodland where they will get plenty of sunlight!

Holly is one of the most sought-after plants for its beauty as a landscape plant with winter interest. Grow several of them - You'll want to trim armloads of berry-bedecked branches each year for lavish indoor decorations and for your outdoor containers, too. Greet guests in high style!

Both Male & Female Shrubs For Self-Pollinating Heavy Berry Production
2-in-1 Blue Prince & Blue Princess Hollies Grown Together
Beautiful Ornamental Shiny Broad-Leaved Evergreen
Classic Decorative Bright Red Holly Berries
Birds Love Hollies for Food & Shelter
Barrier Plants & Property Defining Hedges, Privacy & Screening

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Blue Hollies love moist, well-drained soil. Plant in full sun or partial shade and give your plants a moderate amount of regular water. It's best to water the soil, not the foliage. Provide a layer of mulch over the root system to keep the soil cool and moist. They love a sunny or partially shaded location. Add moisture as needed to keep the plants stress-free for the very best performance.

If you suspect poor drainage, mound up additional soil to 18" - 24" above grade and plant directly in that mound. You can also plant in a raised bed to improve drainage.

Blue Holly doesn't require special care but adapts well to yearly pruning. Wearing gloves to protect your hands, lightly prune your plants in the fall by cutting long branches for your pots and urns for winter decoration. You will love enjoying the beautiful foliage and berries.

Reach beneath the canopy and trim a long branch with bright red berries on it. Aim to select branches that are crossing. Your goals are three-fold: 1. gather the berries 2. increase air circulation into the interior of the shrub and 3. increase sunlight penetration into the center of your shrub. If the plants need more pruning for shape or size control, it can be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. For the most attractive result, please stagger the depth of your pruning cuts, and do not use electric trimmers. It's worth the time to hand prune these beautiful plants.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Moderate Moisture Needs
Needs Very Good Drainage
Prune When Dormant
Deer Seldom Bother This Plant

Everyone should have one of these historic and beautiful specimens in their yard! How proud you will be to show off your healthy Royal Family Holly Combo with its rich, year-round, blue-green evergreen color and red berries in fall and winter. Order today at NatureHills.com!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What USDA hardiness zones is the Royal Family Holly Combo suitable for?

The Royal Family Holly Combo thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4-9. These Blue Holly hybrids handle cold winters well while producing abundant red berries. Check your specific zone to ensure proper establishment before the first frost.

What is the mature height and width of the Royal Family Holly Combo?

The Royal Family Holly Combo reaches 8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity. These Blue Holly hybrids grow at a moderate pace, filling out into dense screening plants perfect for privacy hedges. Plan for adequate spacing when planting multiples available at naturehills.com.

Does the Royal Family Holly Combo include both male and female plants for pollination and berries?

Yes, this combo includes both Blue Princess (female) and Blue Prince (male) holly plants grown together in one container. The male plant pollinates the female to produce the bright red berries that ripen from green fruit. Plant this 2-in-1 combo for guaranteed berry production without needing separate plants.

What type of soil does Royal Family Holly Combo need, and does it require good drainage?

Royal Family Holly Combo thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil with consistent moisture. These broadleaf evergreens tolerate various soil types but struggle in waterlogged conditions. Amend heavy clay soils with compost to improve drainage and ensure healthy root development.

When and how should I prune the Royal Family Holly Combo?

Q: When and how should I prune the Royal Family Holly Combo? Prune Blue Holly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning maintains the natural shape while preserving berry production for the following season. Make clean cuts just above outward-facing buds and remove any dead or crossing branches. Shop quality pruning tools at Nature Hills to keep your Royal Family Holly looking its best.

Will the Royal Family Holly Combo produce red berries every year, and how long until berries appear?

The Royal Family Holly Combo will produce red berries annually once established, typically within 2-3 years of planting. Since both male and female plants are included in one container, you're guaranteed proper pollination for consistent berry production. Expect white flowers in spring that develop into green fruit, ripening to bright red by fall and winter.

Is the Royal Family Holly Combo deer resistant?

Blue Holly varieties like the Royal Family Combo are generally deer resistant due to their spiny, serrated leaves that deer typically avoid. The sharp spines along the toothed margins make these broadleaf evergreens unappealing to browse. Plant them as screening hedges for natural deer deterrent.

Is the Royal Family Holly Combo self-fertile, or do I need to buy a separate pollinator?

The Royal Family Holly Combo is self-fertile because it contains both male and female holly plants grown together in the same container. This ensures proper pollination for maximum berry production without needing additional plants. You'll get a reliable fruit set of bright red berries each year from this single purchase.