A Gardener's Miscellany

This week it’s:

A celebration of the hollies

We look at the prickly plant with red berries that’s associated with Christmas

WE all know and ‘respect’ holly () because of its prickly leaves, even if we don’t exactly love it! Holly tends to be chosen by those who want dense evergreen cover, perhaps to repel intruders, thanks to the leaves, rather than as a decorative addition to the garden. However, there are several ornamental cultivars that are worthy of garden space. In fact, there are hundreds of species, ranging from short shrubs to tall trees. Most will thrive in full sun or shade, and they are not particularly fussy as to soil. All hollies produce whitish flowers in May or June. But it is now, at Christmas, that holly is seen adorning homes. Let’s take a look at these prickly shrubs and