Photography by Britt Willoughby Dyer, except where noted.
Holly isn’t just a holiday tree; unlike poinsettia it’s interesting all year round.
Holly, Ilex aquifolium: “Somberly Cheerful”
Holly is cottage-y but also elegant, by a rural or urban front door.
Holly is evergreen and broad-leafed, with a waxy coating. Holly’s prickles are useful in creating an impenetrable barrier, but they also protect the plant against munching animals.
Variegated holly brings light into a dark garden, the berries becoming more red as autumn progresses. If the combination of green, yellow, and red is too much, there are many variegated hollies that are male and therefore un-berried.
Variegated leaves are useful for contrast, with berries picking up color from other winter shrubs.
Photograph by Kendra Wilson.
Photograph by Kendra Wilson.
Keep It Alive
In a year with a low berry count, holly is still good value, particularly after a hoar frost, in which every spine (and spider’s web) is traced in the dim light. See 5 Favorites: Brit Style Garden Hedges.
For holiday decorations, bunches (or boughs) are all you need. For more ways to incorporate bright red berries into your life (and holiday decor), see.