Holly berries brighten the often bleak-looking landscape in the winter.
Holly is not only a beautiful addition to your landscape but also a useful one in attracting and providing for wildlife. It was an important plant in U.S. history, and is still vitally important today. This evergreen tree grows to 50 feet and is often used as a hedge or privacy screen. Holly is best known for the flush of red berries produced in winter, when they become a host for all sorts of birds and wildlife looking for food and shelter from the harsh weather.
History of Holly
Native Americans relied on the wood of American holly trees for several different uses and bartered or traded the ripe berries. They also made buttons from holly berries as well. Twigs of the holly were used to make a tea to cure coughs. Holly trees also have a strong connection with Christmas -- and some of the first Christmas wreaths were fashioned from the branches of this evergreen. While the tree isn't as significant to human survival today, it is vital to the survival of birds and other wildlife throughout the winter season. The berries are eaten after they freeze and soften. Birds also like to take refuge from harsh winter storms and predators in the holly tree's spiny, evergreen leaves. Holly trees are long lasting. Nearly a dozen holly trees planted and cared for by George Washington still grow today at Mount Vernon.
Caring for Holly Trees
Holly trees need little in the way of care. It is recommended that you provide supplemental water to your holly to help it get established after planting. Once established, holly trees only need supplemental watering during times of drought. Holly trees prefer acidic soil and will get a major boost if you mulch around the base of the trunk with a 1-inch deep layer of coffee grounds, once or twice a year. Otherwise, holly does not like to be overfertilized.
Pruning Holly Trees
For centuries, holly has been associated with Christmas. The bright red berries and evergreen boughs have been used to make wreaths for the holiday, a tradition that still lives on today. Colonists were excited to find holly growing in the New World just like the plant they were used to seeing back in England, and the plant helped them feel more at home during their first Christmas abroad. While holly trees can be pruned almost anytime of the year, the days surrounding Christmas are coincidentally the best time to prune. December marks the month that Holly trees enter dormancy and aren't actively growing. Trimming holly later in the spring or summer after flowering will reduce the amount of berries produced that coming winter, not only impacting its bright display but also leaving your local wildlife with less to eat. Holly trees grow in a tight pyramidal form in their younger years and can be pruned heavily to maintain this shape. As the tree ages, the shape of holly can become irregular and the branch structure will open up more. Holly can be severely cut back, but avoid cutting all the way back to the ground.
Preserving Holly Trimmings
Since December marks the best month to prune holly, you will find yourself with plenty of evergreen boughs and red berries to decorate your house and home. Keep cut ends of holly branches in water to prolong their life. Change water every couple of days -- and add 1 tsp. of sugar to keep holly cuttings looking great for even longer.
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