Marilyn’s Garden Musings

December

“He who makes a garden works hand-in-hand with God.” Douglas Malloch

One of the most ubiquitous and classic symbols of the Christmas season is the deep, glossy green leaves and red berries of the holly plant. It can be displayed on mantels, used as runners on stairs or banisters and in wreaths and centerpieces to add to the festive décor of the holidays. Most hollies need regular pruning which can be done in December providing you with fresh greenery that will look good for quite a long time indoors. Just be careful not to prune excessively in winter as this could make the plant more sensitive to the elements.

Holly has ancient pagan and Christian symbolism steeped in superstition. Medieval people believed that holly was protective against lightning and witches. Because of holly’s thorny leaves it is regarded in Christian art as a symbol of Christ’s crown of thorns. Its evergreen feature is considered representative of eternal life. Hundreds of Christmas carols mention holly, i.e. “Deck the Halls With Boughs of Holly”.

Holly plants come in a wide range of sizes from very small shrubs to very tall trees. They can be rounded, pyramidal or columnar. They grow worldwide, except in Australia and Antarctica

In general growing hollies is quite easy but when planting them be sure to find a variety that is hardy in your USDA cold hardiness zone. North central Missouri is in zone 5. American holly (Ilex opaca) is rated for zone 5 as well as the Meserve hybrids (Ilex x meserveaea) including the blue series and “China Girl” and “China Boy”. All holly trees and shrubs are dioecious so you will need one male plant near the females for proper pollination and red berry production.

Hollies need well drained, acidic soil with plenty of sunshine, although they can tolerate some shade. The best time to plant is in the fall but they usually fare quite well if planted in the spring. Be sure to plant them where they will remain permanently because they don’t take very well to being transplanted.

So for a beautifully decorated home for the holidays try some holly and have a colorful, merry and blessed Christmas.

“Gardens are a form of autobiography.” Sydney Eddison

Submitted by Marilyn Rasmussen

Magic City Master Gardener