The Holly Tree as a Garden Plant

The holly tree has become an integral part of the Christmas tradition, with wreaths made from the glossy evergreen leaves and bunches of red holly berries festooning the house as decoration, but the Ilex tree is much more than a Christmas decoration.

The Holly as a Garden Plant

Ilex can be used as a garden plant, a shrub, a hedge or a tree and whatever the garden requirements there will be a holly to suit them. Hollies grow perfectly well in U.S. zones 5, 6, 7, and 8. Their white flowers and red berries, although a native of southern Europe and northwest Africa, can be seen growing in New Zealand and Australia. It is evergreen and variegated and there are over 400 recorded species. Some species have yellow or orange berries.

Planting a Holly Tree

Holly is best planted in winter to early spring and it does best in slightly acidic soil which enjoys good drainage. It will not tolerate soggy, water logged conditions. To obtain best results, both with growth and berries it is best planted in full sun. Most hollies will grow in the shade but they will not thrive and may well prove to be a wrong choice. Holly is a slow grower but eventually certain varieties can reach up to 80 feet into the sky.

Holly Berries

Ilex or Holly trees, both names are correct and commonly used, are dioecious. This is a botanical term meaning the plant has two sexes – it can either be male or female. Only the female will produce berries. So before planting is the time to get to know the Ilex intimately and as there is no obvious way to ascertain if a plant is male or female the supplier must be relied upon to supply accurate information. It is not necessary to have a male plant in the same area of the garden or even in the same garden as long as there is one close by. The battle of the sexes is easily won by the female holly as only one male is required to pollinate up to ten females. Once the sex of the holly has become clear, i.e. a profusion of berries in the winter, it is time to propagate. The berries are enjoyed by the birds but they are toxic and can be dangerous if swallowed by humans.

Propagating a Holly

To increase the stock select the desired variety, sex already known, and take a cutting. The cutting should be taken between the fresh growth and the old more woody section of the stem. A few inches long will be fine and make the cut just below the leaves. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone powder and plant up. Unless very severe conditions are expected the cutting may be placed outdoors during the winter and new leaves should appear in early spring.

Places for Holly in the Garden

Holly is an ideal shelter plant – its evergreen leaves are strong and shiny and it seems unaffected by city air. It is suitable as a low hedge as it can be pruned to suit the garden. Varieties with small leaves are the easiest to prune and the Ilex crenata or Green Luster Holly is an ideal choice. Mophead hollies such Ilex x meserveae or Blue Prince/Princess look very well placed in tubs guarding entrances like sentries. They have bluish green foliage and can be pruned easily.

Evergreen Holly

Like Mistletoe, there are many traditions and legends associated with Holly, but Ilex is not only for Christmas – it is a favorite shrub with winter berries for the birds and vibrant glossy green leaves all year for the gardener.