The Holly and the Ivy

I've had two evergreen holly bushes for years: Hex x meserveae "Blue Princess" and Hex Mesdob "China Boy".

Although they are not with out their particular needs, they are beautiful landscaping plants and valued for Christmas decorations.

You must have both a male and female plant if you want the female to produce berries. Both of the above will grow slowly to perhaps 10 ft and be approximately 8 ft wide. They grow in full sun or partial shade.

Their evergreen shiny bright green leaves, small white flowers and red berries make them a year-round landscaping accent.

Both of the above have good winter hardiness BUT they are sensitive to cold winter winds. They need protection of some sort or the exposed branches will die. The plant will not die but it can make a bush unsightly due to odd trimming necessary to get all the dead out each spring. I use mulch; others may use a windbreak of tarps, burlap, or other. Don't completely cover the plant or it may get cooked on a sunny winter day.

It has a deep and extensive root system. It can be left "natural" or pruned in shapes. They can be as little as 6 inches or as a holly tree that grows to 70 ft. Most, but not all, are evergreen.

Hollies all prefer acidic well drained soil (much like wooded areas.)

• The ancient Celts and Britons believed the holly was imbued with special spirits and that it was sacred. Sprigs were cut and brought indoors to remind these ancients the evergreen plant kept the spirits alive.
• The Romans thought it brought them out of winter and protected them from evil spirits that came down the chimney.
• Early Christians associated the holly with Christ's "crown of thorns" and the red berries with His blood.
• It was believed to be the wood used in the Crucifixion cross because all other trees refused to be cut when touched by the ax.
• It is often tucked behind pictures of Christ on the 12th night celebration as a Passion symbol. It is in most pictures of saints.
• One legend states the holly plant grew leaves in winter on the night of Christ's birth to hide Him from Herod's men. It is now evergreen as a token of Christ's gratitude.
• In astrology, people born in June are known as "Holly People."

The holly has 400 species and can be grown in fifty of our states and all continents except Australia and Antarctica. The first Pilgrims' records mention holly (1620).

It's the state tree of Delaware and the white wood is used in the most finely carved chess pieces.

Holly has been used for many herbal applications (most discontinued): a tea made from the leaves reduces fever and relieves arthritis. The berries are toxic and can cause serious vomiting.

Eighteen different birds eat the berries, including thrushes, goldfinches, blackbirds, bobwhites, morning doves, cedar waxwings and turkeys. Because it is so dense, songbirds find it a desirable nesting place. White tail deer find it "yummy". It doesn't self seed readily nor is it harmful to livestock.

Tuck a few branches of holly into your holiday decorations and bring a new tradition to your home. "Of all the trees that are in the wood, the holly bears the crown."