Honey Maid Holly

Ilex x meserveae 'Honey Maid'

Nature Hills Nursery

Cream-Yellow Variegated Holly with Cold-Hardy Blue-Green Foliage and Winter Red Berries
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 6-8 ft Tall, 4-5 ft Wide
Showy White Blooms in Late Spring
Perfect for Privacy Screen or Hedge

$91⁵⁸

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Plant Size

#3 Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: This holly performs best in full sun to partial shade, requiring at least 4 to 6 hours of direct light daily. More sun results in a denser growth habit and heavier berry production, while deeper shade may cause the foliage to thin out.
Soil: It thrives in moist, well drained, slightly acidic soil. If you have heavy clay, mix in organic compost to improve drainage, or plant in a slight mound to keep the roots from sitting in stagnant water.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Honey Maid Holly twice a week to ensure the root system establishes deeply. Once mature, this evergreen is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during a dry summer can lead to leaf drop or smaller berries. Aim for a deep soak at the base of the plant rather than frequent light sprinklings.

Pruning Tips

Since this holly blooms on old wood, the best time to prune is in early spring before new growth begins. Think of it like a light haircut to maintain its natural pyramidal shape or to remove any winter damaged tips. Pruning at this time ensures you do not cut off the flowers that will eventually become the signature red berries.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer designed for acid loving plants in early spring. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages soft new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. This prevents the tips of your holly from turning brown and dying back during the winter months.

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
Height	6-8 ft
Width	4-5 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
Fragrant	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Holly
Botanical Name	Ilex x meserveae 'Honey Maid'
Species	x meserveae
Cultivar	Honey Maid
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Flashy Evergreen Workhorse Honey Maid Holly!

Blue-Green Foliage
Flashy Cream-Yellow Variegation
Lovely Toothy Leaves
Broadleaved Evergreen
Pyramidal Form
Small White Flowers
Pollinator Friendly
Bright Red Berries in Winter
Birds Love The Berries!
Full Sun or Part Shade
Moderate Moisture
Soil Adaptability

A wonderful workhorse with a flashy side! The Honey Maid Holly, (Ilex x meserveae 'Honey Maid')' is a broadleaf evergreen with a naturally sturdy pyramidal shape and really punches up the curbside appeal of any home or landscape!

With branching that is horizontal and a bit irregular, just to keep things interesting, Honey Maid generally grows very dense and shrubby. Honey Maid's foliage puts on a year-round show! Variegated blue-green leaves with creamy-yellowish margins, it's fantastically showy! The leaf edges are slightly toothy and spiny, giving the entire plant a wonderful texture.

With very consistent coloration all year, you'll always have a stalwart presence in your landscape!

Honey Maid's tiny white flowers in late April and early May, draw pollinators. Imagine big fat bumblebees dangling from white bell flowers or butterflies fluttering about! While they are not overwhelmingly ornamental, the flowers are numerous!

When fall arrives, the yellowy cream and blue-green foliage does not change much, instead remains unwavering in its flashy impact. However, if you have a male plant in the area, Honey Maid is a female selection and adorns herself with bright red berries if a male pollinator such as Blue Prince or Castle Wall is planted nearby! Persisting all winter, the fruit is very showy, glossy and irresistible to birds!

All this, and combined with that fantastic natural pyramid form, make Honey Maid a truly outstanding selection for your landscape!

How to Use Honey Maid Holly In The Landscape

The natural triangular form of Honey Maid makes her the perfect exclamation point to highlight your home's foundation planting, to add high-style curb appeal!

Creating uniquely shaped hedges, both formal or informal, the upright zig-zag these create when planted in a row is high impact privacy, screening, and visual barrier.

Also lovely as the perfect specimen plant to draw the eye in your garden beds or become a unique backdrop to smaller shrubs and perennials. Honey Maid also works amazingly in containers! What an accent when you plant a pair flanking your entrance or to mark the beginning of a walkway or path's entrance.

Don't forget to incorporate these for the bees and butterflies in spring and to feed your local bird population in the fall!

#ProPlantTips For Care

Honey Maid grows best in full sun, however, she will tolerate light shade. However, less sun will result in a more open growing habit. Cold hardy in the growing zones from 6 through 9 (and can be grown in zone 5 if planted in a sheltered location out of winter winds).

Holly prefers moderately moist, well-drained soils, but adaptable to most soil types. She does need a slightly acidic medium. Water regularly to establish young plants, then top off with supplemental watering in drought and times of need.

Growing to an impressive 7' - 8' tall, and 4-5' wide, you can prune these smaller right after flowering.

Because Honey Maid is female, you'll need to plant with a male Holly such as Blue Prince or Castle Wall™ nearby for the fall berries.

For persistent color all year, Honey Maid Holly's shape, toughness and tolerance make her a unique and high-style choice for all landscapes! Order yours from Nature Hills Nursery and punch up your home's curb appeal today!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and width of Honey Maid Holly?

Honey Maid Holly typically reaches 8-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide at maturity. This broadleaf evergreen maintains a naturally dense, pyramidal form with horizontal branching. Allow adequate spacing when planting to accommodate its full mature size.

Does Honey Maid Holly produce berries, and do I need a male pollinator plant nearby?

Honey Maid Holly is female and produces bright red berries only when a male pollinator like Blue Prince or Castle Wall is planted nearby. The glossy berries persist all winter and attract birds. Plant a male holly within 50 feet for reliable berry production, available at naturehills.com.

What are the sunlight requirements for Honey Maid Holly—full sun or part shade?

Honey Maid Holly thrives in both full sun and part shade conditions. This adaptable evergreen performs well with at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight but tolerates partial shade nicely. For best variegation color and berry production, aim for morning sun with some afternoon protection.

How often should I water Honey Maid Holly, and is it drought-tolerant?

Honey Maid Holly prefers moderate moisture and is reasonably drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply once or twice weekly during the first growing season to develop strong roots. After establishment, it adapts well to various soil conditions and typically needs supplemental watering only during extended dry periods.

Is Honey Maid Holly deer-resistant and pest-resistant?

Honey Maid Holly's spiny, toothy leaves naturally deter deer browsing. The dense evergreen foliage and sturdy growth habit also resist most common pests. Plant in full sun to part shade for best natural resistance, available at naturehills.com.

Can Honey Maid Holly be grown in containers or pots?

Honey Maid Holly can be grown in large containers due to its naturally dense, shrubby growth habit and pyramidal form. Choose a pot at least 24 inches wide with good drainage, as this broadleaf evergreen needs moderate moisture. Use quality potting mix and plan to eventually transplant to the ground as it matures.

What is the best way to prune or care for Honey Maid Holly after planting?

Honey Maid Holly requires minimal pruning due to its naturally dense pyramidal growth habit. Light shaping in late winter before new growth begins will maintain its form. Focus on removing any damaged or crossing branches, and avoid heavy pruning to preserve the variegated foliage display.

How long does it take for Honey Maid Holly to reach maturity?

Honey Maid Holly typically reaches maturity in 10-15 years, growing at a moderate pace to its full size. This broadleaf evergreen develops its dense, pyramidal form gradually while maintaining consistent variegated foliage throughout the growing process. Plan for steady annual growth and expect full ornamental impact within a decade.

Will Honey Maid Holly grow well in my zone 5/8/9 climate?

Honey Maid Holly (Ilex x meserveae) thrives in zones 4-9, making it well-suited for your climate. This hardy broadleaf evergreen adapts to various conditions and maintains its variegated foliage year-round. Plant in full sun to part shade with moderate moisture for best results.

Honey Maid Holly

Ilex x meserveae 'Honey Maid'