Holly in the snow.

This time of year brings attention to the holly tree and shrub in and around the neighborhood. Everyone wants to have some holly branches decorating their home for the Christmas season. So let's look at the holly and what it requires. Holly plants prefer well drained sites. The site should also be in full sun for at least 6 hours a day. Hollies are not as cold hardy as many think so pick varieties that will survive our winters.

These plants are dioecious meaning they have the male and female reproductive structures on separate plants. So if red berries are on the list then two plants are required a male and female plant. Remember that holly berries are considered poisonous. So keep small children and pets away from them. I like two cultivars called China Girl and China Boy. The female China Girl will have red berries and the male China boy will have only lush foliage. It is best to have at least three to five plants if plans are to trim branches for Christmas. These plants are considered shrubs.

If a tree is on the list then consider an American holly. These trees spread 8 to 15 feet and can grow as tall as nearly 30 feet. Most homeowners keep the tree pruned in a compact form but some trees have been allowed to grow freely. December is a great time to prune hollies into shape. The pruning can be used for decoration and the plant benefits as well.

If one wants only the plant in the landscape then maybe a single plant will do. Today some nurseries are planting a male and female in the same pot. So when planted the pollinator is there with the female. Hollies will grow nearly 1 foot a year if planted in a good location.

I believe holly makes a great addition to any landscape and it is one of my favorites. So plan now to add this glossy broadleaf evergreen to your landscape. The reward will be green leaves of shiny luster all year long.