Birthday
HydrangeasIlex, or holly, is a shrub or tree with glossy leaves and bright berries that stay on the branches all winter. Its branches are an essential part of Christmas wreaths and winter bouquets. Here are the main types of ilex, how to grow them in the garden and in pots, and how to use them in floristry.
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About the plant
The genus Ilex is the only large genus in the holly family, Aquifoliaceae, with around 500 species found on every continent except Antarctica. Most are evergreen, but some are deciduous. The flowers are small and white, and the berries can be red, orange, yellow or black. Importantly, hollies are dioecious: berries form only on female plants, and only if a male plant grows nearby.
- English holly (Ilex aquifolium) — the classic Christmas holly with spiny leaves.
- Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) — deciduous; its branches densely covered in red berries are what florists sell as “ilex”.
- Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) — small-leaved and clipped like boxwood.
- Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) — its leaves are brewed into mate, a caffeinated drink.
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Symbolism
In ancient Rome holly branches decorated homes during Saturnalia, and for the Celts evergreen holly symbolised life in the depths of winter. Later, in Britain and northern Europe, it became a symbol of Christmas: the spiny leaves recalled the crown of thorns and the red berries drops of blood.
Growing and care
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In the garden. Holly likes part shade or sun sheltered from winter wind, and moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained soil. Winterberry and Japanese holly overwinter well in Ukraine; English holly is hardy to roughly −15 to −20 °C, so plant it in a sheltered spot and protect young plants.
In a pot. Holly is a poor houseplant: it needs a cool winter (5–10 °C) in a bright place such as a glazed loggia or porch. In summer move the pot to part shade on a balcony.
Watering. Keep the soil evenly moist but never waterlogged. Mist the leaves in summer.
Feeding. Compost or an evergreen fertiliser in spring; stop feeding from late summer.
Pruning and propagation. Shape in early spring. Propagate from summer cuttings; seed germinates slowly and needs long cold stratification.
Ilex in décor and bouquets
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Berried branches star in winter wreaths, table arrangements and bouquets. Florists mostly use deciduous winterberry, whose large berries cover the stems densely. In a vase the branches last 2–3 weeks or more; keep them cool in fresh water so the berries don’t shrivel or drop. Ilex pairs well with roses, amaryllis, conifer greenery, cotton and pine cones.
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To make a winter bouquet yourself, see how to make a spiral bouquet.
Important: the berries are poisonous
The berries of most hollies are toxic to people and animals: a few can cause vomiting and stomach upset, especially in children. Keep ilex décor out of reach of children, cats and dogs.
FAQ
Why doesn’t my holly have berries?
It is probably a male plant, or there is no male pollinator nearby. Heavy pruning or too little light can also prevent berries.
Can I grow ilex indoors?
Only with a cool, bright winter; in a warm flat it drops its leaves and berries.
How long do ilex branches last in a vase?
Two to three weeks, sometimes longer, if kept cool with fresh water.
Winter bouquets with ilex and other seasonal flowers are available with delivery in Kyiv from UFL.
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Author: Maria Svitlovir
Graduated from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Biology and Medicine (2001). BSc in Biology, MSc in Horticulture. Writes about plants, works at a garden centre selecting and repotting plants, and contributes to plant reference guides.
