Holly, Ilex aquifolium, typically has dark green, spiny leaves and bright red berries. However, there are many different varieties of holly with different coloured laves and berries – more than 400 from around the world.
The holly (Ilex) genus ranges from small shrubs to large climbers, with diverse leaf shapes, textures and variegation and berries of different colours. Although holly will always be synonymous with Christmas, it has a life well beyond the festive period. It’s easy to grow and makes a great addition to gardens as an evergreen architectural specimen, clipped bush or hedge. Hollies also make good screening trees.
Watch our No Fuss video guide with Kevin Smith, as he demonstrates how to make a Christmas star using holly:
Green Video Post ElementMore on growing holly:
Most holly varieties thrive in moist, but well-drained soil in sun or shade.
How to plant hollyPlant holly bushes in the winter months. Dig a generous hole for your plant, incorporating well rotted garden compost into the soil. Back fill and firm down gently around the base of the plant.
How to care for hollyHollies are slow-growing plants that are easy to care for. If you want Christmas berries, these are produced on female plants in late autumn to mid-winter. To get them, you need both a male and female
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