Holly holly - cultivation and care

Holly holly or ordinary - highly decorative evergreen or deciduous shrub. What makes it so is the serrated leathery leaves and berries, which can be orange, red, black, yellow, or white in color.

Holly berries ripen in the fall, but even under the snow they remain on the plant. It is worth noting that holly flowers belong to dioecious, that is, to set fruit in one area, it is necessary to plant female and male plants.

In general, holly is a fairly large dome-shaped shrub or tree, reaching a height of 2-10 meters. A characteristic feature of the plant is the lower shoots hanging to the ground, which very often take root. The fruits are small, not larger than a pea, but numerous, poisonous.

It is better to grow holly in a cool place in your garden; they do not tolerate high temperatures and drought. But in the shade and with sufficient watering they grow well. Hollies react negatively even to winter sun.

Young plants in the spring, when solar activity increases, should be covered to avoid burns.

Heavy soils are not suitable for growing. It is necessary to plant holly in well-drained, light, fertile soil. Heavy soil adversely affects the winter hardiness of this shrub.

Holly tolerates pruning very well, which is why it makes excellent hedges.In European countries, because of its carved foliage and bright berries, holly is popular as a Christmas plant; holiday garlands and wreaths are made from it.