{"product_id":"blue-boy","title":"Blue Boy","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"layoutA\" id=\"pageSummary\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Boy Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cem\u003e(Ilex × meserveae ‘Blue Boy’) \u003c\/em\u003eis a handsome broadleaf evergreen shrub valued for its lustrous dark blue-green foliage, dense branching, and exceptional cold hardiness. This classic Meserve Hybrid Holly combines the traditional appearance of English Holly with improved tolerance of colder northern climates, making it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, evergreen hedges, privacy screens, and traditional estate-style landscapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn spring, Blue Boy produces fresh evergreen growth along its attractive purplish stems. Its thick, leathery leaves feature glossy surfaces and distinctive spiny margins, creating a rich, polished appearance. Small white to greenish-white flowers emerge in late spring, providing pollen for bees and other visiting insects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike female holly varieties, Blue Boy does not produce ornamental berries. Instead, it serves an important role as a male pollinator for compatible female Blue Hollies, particularly Blue Girl Holly. When planted nearby, Blue Boy helps female plants develop the brilliant red berries that make hollies so desirable in fall and winter landscapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThroughout summer, Blue Boy maintains its attractive evergreen foliage and develops a dense, upright-rounded growth habit. Its substantial mature size makes it useful as a background evergreen, informal privacy screen, or structured hedge. Its foliage also creates an excellent backdrop for flowering shrubs, ornamental grasses, and colorful perennials.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring fall and winter, Blue Boy retains its deep blue-green foliage, providing dependable structure and color when deciduous plants have gone dormant. Its cold-hardy nature makes it particularly valuable in northern landscapes, although protection from harsh winter winds helps maintain the best foliage appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Boy is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a traditional evergreen holly with a substantial landscape presence. It is especially valuable when planted alongside Blue Girl Holly, allowing customers to enjoy both dense evergreen foliage and colorful winter berries on the female plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMore About Blue Boy Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBroadleaf Evergreen Hybrid Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMale Cultivar — Does Not Produce Berries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Pollinator for Blue Girl Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDense, Upright-Rounded Growth Habit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlossy Dark Blue-Green Foliage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive Purplish Stems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional Spiny Holly Leaves\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Cold Hardiness\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOutstanding Year-Round Evergreen Interest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall White Spring Flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvides Pollen for Pollinating Insects\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Evergreen Privacy Screen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for Informal Hedges\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive Foundation Planting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Background Evergreen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvides Shelter for Birds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerally Deer Resistant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eResponds Well to Pruning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for Traditional and Estate-Style Gardens\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrefers Moist, Well-Drained Soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLow Maintenance Once Established\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Companion for Female Blue Hollies\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 10–15 Feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpread:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 6–8 Feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness Zone:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5–7\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCharacteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun Exposure:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Full Sun to Partial Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeason of Interest:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Moisture:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Average to Moist; Well-Drained\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttributes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Broadleaf Evergreen, Male Pollinator, Cold Hardy, Dense Growth, Privacy Screen, Deer Resistant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoliage Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Glossy Dark Green to Blue-Green\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e White to Greenish-White\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerry Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e None — Male Cultivar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower Fragrance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Not Significant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dense, Upright-Rounded\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Slow to Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare \u0026amp; Maintenance Tips\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant in full sun to partial shade in fertile, slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Blue Boy performs best in locations with consistent moisture and protection from harsh winter winds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid low-lying areas where water remains around the roots for extended periods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor evergreen hedges or screens, space plants approximately 5–7 feet apart, depending on the desired density and available growing space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen planting Blue Boy as a pollinator for Blue Girl Holly, position the plants within approximately 20–50 feet of one another for dependable pollen transfer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Maintain evenly moist soil without prolonged waterlogging.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce established, Blue Boy tolerates occasional dry periods but benefits from supplemental watering during extended summer droughts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving evergreen shrubs in early spring if needed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain a layer of organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Keep mulch away from the main stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid unnecessary lime applications that may raise soil pH and contribute to yellowing foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Boy naturally develops a dense, upright-rounded shape and generally requires minimal pruning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf shaping is necessary, prune lightly in late winter or early spring. For plants serving as pollinators, avoid excessive pruning that removes developing flower buds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSelective pruning can help maintain an attractive form and encourage dense branching.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinter Care:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Boy is a cold-hardy evergreen that maintains its foliage throughout winter.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant in locations protected from strong, drying winter winds whenever possible. Water thoroughly during dry autumn conditions before the ground freezes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA layer of organic mulch helps conserve soil moisture and protect the root zone.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePest Prevention:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMonitor periodically for holly leaf miners, scale insects, spider mites, and occasional leaf spot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain proper soil drainage and air circulation. Avoid prolonged soil saturation, which can encourage root diseases.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePollination Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Boy is a male holly cultivar and does not produce berries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts primary pollination partner is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Girl Holly (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIlex\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e × \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emeserveae\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ‘Blue Girl’)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, however will pollinate other female varieties such as  \u003cstrong\u003eBlue Princess (\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIlex\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e × \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003emeserveae\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e ‘Blue Princess’)\u003c\/strong\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant one healthy Blue Boy near several female meserveae varieties plants to encourage dependable red berry production on the female shrubs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlue Boy should not automatically be considered a suitable pollinator for every holly variety. Flowering periods and genetic compatibility must overlap for successful pollination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hunterdon Tree and Shrub","offers":[{"title":"3 Gallon","offer_id":50737792876784,"sku":"Red Beauty","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0746\/5680\/9200\/files\/images_4_9d6641a3-652d-44dc-b062-b3bf1b5edfe1.jpg?v=1793904901","url":"https:\/\/hunterdontree.com\/products\/blue-boy","provider":"Hunterdon Tree \u0026 Shrub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}