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Flower Spotlight: Holly

One plant with a lot of holiday meaning is the llex disambiguation or, otherwise known as holly. Here’s a brief history to learn more about this evergreen tree.

Origins & Symbolism

Holly is a tree member of the Aquifoliaceae family and the only living genus. Holly is native to parts of central and southern Europe, but can be found in many different parts around the world. The holly tree is known as “Christ’s Thorn” in the northern countries of Europe. It is said that “the prickly leaves represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified. The berries are the drops of blood that were shed by Jesus because of the thorns.”

To Consider

The leaves of holly have no taste or odor and, although berries are sometimes eaten by birds, they can be very dangerous when ingested by humans and pets. The leaves are pointy, resembling thorns, alternating directions upwards and downwards with a leathery texture that makes them very durable.

Availability

Holly can be found all year long, but is most commonly used in flower arrangements, wreaths and centerpieces during the month of December. The leaves are very long lasting which makes them perfect for incorporating in any type of arrangement or home decor pieces.

Make sure to incorporate this evergreen tree into your Christmas and New Year’s festivities. Head to your local florist for your beautiful holly arrangement!

How to Tell the Difference Between an English Holly and an American Holly

Ask the Expert: “How can i tell the difference between American holly and English holly? The leaves appear the same” – Katrina S.

Plant expert Reply:
Katrina,

It is very difficult to tell American Hollies (Ilex opaca) from English Hollies (Ilex aquifolium). Every resource on hollies will tell you that English Hollies have glossier leaves. Well that is all well and good if you have them side by side, but glossy is a very subjective attribute. For example in the pictures above, I can’t really tell the difference in the glossiness of the leaves.  According to the American Horticulture Society, their leaf description is very similar.  English Holly leaf – Elliptic or ovate, glossy, dark green leaves with entire, wavy, spine-toothed, or spiney margins.  American Holly leaf – oblong-elliptic, spine-toothed or entire, leathery matte, dark green leaves.

Ilexopacacreated by Jane Shelby Richardson at Duke University

Ilex Opaca – American Holly

For me the best way to tell them apart is by the older leaves. The American holly leaves tend to have a dark appearance and a more matte finish. The new leaves will always have a glossy look similar to the English Hollies. I have to be honest, even with this little trick, I have missed the mark a few times.  The nice thing about these two types of hollies is that they can be used interchangeably.  So unless you are trying to match a replacement shrub you can use which ever one is available.

However, if you are trying to match existing shrubs, the best thing to do is take a small stem with leaves to your local garden center. With your sample they should be able to determine which type you have.

Ilex_aquifolium_qtl1

Ilex aquifolium – English Holly

Ilex opaca picture came from Wiki Commons user Dcrjsr ( Jane Shelby Richardson at Duke University)

Ilex aqufolium pitcure came from Wiki Commons user Quartl

 

How Do You Keep Cut Holly Fresh?

Ask the Expert: Holly
How do you keep holly fresh looking ? Margaret

Plant Expert Reply:

Keeping holly looking alive and vibrant is a little tricky. Think about it! First we cut it from it life source and then we put it in a house that is warmer than its natural environment.

The key to keeping it vibrant is to create an environment as close to nature as possible.  First, keep it hydrated.  If possible, put it in water or at least mist the foliage every day.  You can create wreaths and other holly arrangements with floral foam soaked in water.  This will keep your holly hydrated.  The second key is to keep it cool.  Holly will do better if the room is slightly cooler than normal and away from any blowing heat source.

Fortunately even as holly deteriorates, it still looks pretty good.

Flower Meanings That Guarantee A Happy Holly-day

While we normally highlight the meanings of flowers, there is also much to be said with special foliage such as myrtle, holly, fir, pine and moss. These are often used in holiday flower arrangements and create a wonderful ambiance that helps set the arrangement apart from the rest. While others are trolling through stores in search of the perfectly generic gift, contact your local florist to create a holiday arrangement that is both unique and meaningful. Holidays mean the world to some people. Show those people that they mean the world to you with these unique gifts.


Traditional Christmas Holly

Holly brings out the fun of an Old Fashioned Christmas!

People of all ages recognize holly as one of the premier decorations of the holiday season. What people don’t know about holly is that the primary flower meaning of holly is domestic happiness. It’s hard to turn away any opportunity to wish domestic happiness on someone. Another meaning of holly is defense or protection. Holly is the perfect gift idea for wishing a safe and happy household over someone. For that matter, wish yourself a safe and happy household by decorating your home with holly this Christmas.

Christmas Myrtle

Myrtle makes the Red and White Stripes arrangement a holiday hit!

Myrtle is a widely recognized foliage that is blessed with positive flower meanings. Myrtle may be especially recognizable to Jewish couples as it is a Hebrew emblem of marriage. For other couples, myrtle represents love. It is always a good time to show someone that they are loved by you. Sending an arrangement such as the Red and White Stripes Christmas flower arrangement is a wonderful way to express many wonderful feelings of love, luck, fascination and holiday cheer.

Your local florist can help create majestic flower arrangements, bouquets and even gift baskets for the holidays that use foliage with sweet flower meanings. The best gift idea this year isn’t in a store; it’s in a flower shop.