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Festive flora
Holly (Ilex)
The name Holly comes from the Old English word Hollin. Holly is both a broadleaf and evergreen, a common native shrub growing both wild and cultivated, sometimes reaching 30ft in height. There are at least 400 species of Ilex in tropical and temperate regions across most of Europe, North Africa and Asia, with many more forms in cultivation. The variety of holly native to Britain and Ireland is Ilex aquifolium. It has glossy, dark green, stiff and leathery leaves protected by spines which deter browsing livestock! Higher up the tree the spines may be absent from leaves and some cultivars are almost spineless. Numerous attractive variegated cultivars exist, many with different coloured berries. Holly normally has separate male and female plants. Inconspicuous, tiny white and green flowers appear in late spring/early summer, with male and female flowers usually borne on separate trees, and it is usually the female trees that bear the familiar and decorative berries. Some cultivars, however, are self-fertile. The attractive berries are an important food source for birds throughout late autumn and winter. Holly has long been used for decoration at Christmas, (supposedly promoting good luck) and the deep red berries are said to symbolise drops of Christ's blood. It is common to find holly used in floral arrangements and festive wreaths, either on its own or in conjunction with ivy and other seasonal plants.
Comments
Message from Adrian
Posted on 24th December 2008
Thanks Patty. I look forward to seeing more of your fantastic photography and reading your great articles in 2009. You and all gardenersclickers are a wonderful antidote to the credit crunch.
Message from PattyMac
Posted on 24th December 2008
Thanks Adrian - we have several self-seeded dark green holly trees in our back garden, unfortunately none bearing berries, although a smaller variegated holly bush does! We have so much ivy of different cultivars around the garden that it sometimes seem to be taking over, but with a bit of judicial pruning we manage to keep it under control! Like you, we do not have any mistletoe growing nor have I seen any growing nearby. My father once tried to propagate some by squashing the berries and smearing them into the cracks of bark on our apple trees but, unfortunately, no success there. Have a lovely Christmas and festive season, Adrian - I'm sure Amelia will be very excited and her wonder and enjoyment will make your festivities extra special - all best wishes, Patty
Message from Adrian
Posted on 24th December 2008
Hi Patty. Thanks for this lovely article on the traditional festive plants. I am lucky enough to have both holly & ivy growing in my garden. I love them both all year round but especially at this time of year. No mistletoe though, but there is a very large ball of it growing on a mature willow tree about a mile from my house. The tree grows by the road and the branch with the mistletoe overhangs the carriageway so there is no missing it this time of year. I have never seen it happen, but I suppose you could always stop your car underneath it for a quick embrace! Happy Christmas Patty and to all members. Best wishes, Adrian.
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