Holly Plant Summary

Holly is an attractive bush, especially in the winter.

Holly is a plant that is extremely hardy and can tolerate a variety of conditions. The bush also attracts wildlife and birds.

Varieties

There are over 400 varieties of holly, according to the Professor's House website. These range from small bushes that are around 3 to 4 feet high to English holly trees that can grow as tall as 60 feet.

Leaves

Holly can be deciduous or evergreen. The type most commonly used in Christmas decorations is an evergreen type known as American holly. Popular deciduous types include Japanese winterberry and black alder. Although deciduous varieties may lose their leaves, they can nonetheless produce berries.

Berries

Both a male and female plant must be present in order for the plant to produce berries. While they can add color to your landscape, they are poisonous if ingested. This means you should take care to keep them away from pets and small children.

Care

Holly bushes should be pruned in late fall or early winter. Cutting back dead wood can increase the amount of growth the following season. They should be planted in full sunlight in well-drained, slightly acidic soils.

References

• Professor's House: Holly
• United States National Arboretum: Deciduous Hollies