Ilex aquifolium

Holly
Ilex aquifolium
Type: Broadleaf Evergreen Trees
Exposure: Full Sun / Part Shade
Water: Regular

Merry Christmas, my friends…

Holly has become a steadfast bit of Christmas symbolism, as recognizable as Christmas trees, Christmas lights, and fruitcake that everybody bakes but nobody eats. And deservedly so; Holly has enjoyed notoriety for centuries as the male god of the plant world [ivy is the goddess] that carries life through the dead of winter to the following spring. More recently, it is seen by some as a symbol of Christ’s crown of thorns, with the red berries representing his blood.

Common Holly is a medium-sized, broadleaf evergreen tree which grows slowly to a mature size of up to 40ft (12m) and up to half as wide, sometimes larger. The foliage consists of highly glossy, oblong, dark green leaves with wavy edges and sharp spines. Hollies can be either male or female. Both sexes produce small, dull white flowers in spring, but only on the female plants do these give rise to prolific, brilliant red drupes (berries). These appear in autumn and will last into the winter, attracting birds.

Hollies make attractive (and nearly impenetrable) hedges, as well as being a handsome woodland or background plant, where it will provide an effective dark screen for lighter foliage or flowers. There are many cultivars available, including those with brightly variegated foliage and smaller growing types.

So, folks, have a holly jolly Christmas, but keep in mind that Holly berries can cause stomach upset if ingested; so please…

don’t eat your Holly.

Cheers,

John