The holiday season brings with itself a reason to celebrate, a time to be together and to weave beautiful memories that you will hold for a lifetime. The small relics that make this occasion even more special include the gifts that we share and the decorations which even include different plants that are attached to the tradition now. Holly trees and plants are also used at Christmas like the other plants that include ivy, mistletoe etc. The Holly plant is among the traditional Christmas plants, but most people are not aware of it as such. Typical holly plants have pointed leaves, are green all year round and have bright red berries.
The American Holly tree is a seen as a very handsome specimen and it is also used as a hedge or even a barrier. The holly tree also has adaptability and can be planted in semi-shade locations as well. The American Holly trees also provide a cover for mammals and songbirds; also its fruit is used by thrashers. The American Holly tree dates back to the time when it was used by Native Americans with wood for their chores and berries that were used during barter. It was also a favorite of George Washington and he planted over 12 Hollies that are still there today. It is also used as a raw material for making Christmas wreaths.
Pruning holly trees is necessary to maintain their shape. They require pruning in spring in order to rub branches and remove the crossing. The prune at this time is to control growth in any other direction. When you do trimming, you should not cut back to the leafless portion because cutting there would prevent the re-growth of the branches.
The Holly has been used for decoration purposes and landscaping. American holly itself has around 20 species. Even Asian holly has 128 and English holly has 200 species. The holly plant varieties are extensive hence you can find out to suit your environment and likes.
Holly tree sales are done in nurseries that have abundant varieties of these trees. These holly tree nurseries are spread all over and you just need to get to the nearest one and pick the plant u like. Hollies look great when they are trimmed low and are spreading. Some of the hollies grow tall and others remain dwarf trees. They are even used as hedges or barriers in houses. Small flowers also are there but only on the female plant. Holly trees also have berries of different colors, yellow, red and orange.
Foster holly tree is another variety that is available at many vendors. They are ever-green and have a shiny glossy texture. Growing a holly tree has to be done with care. When you are germinating holly seeds you need to place them in stratification. Also, you would be placing it in layers of sand that are covered with leaves and you need to expose it to the cold. Freezing also helps to crack these seeds. By spring time after the seed coating has been cracked only then the Holly seeds can be taken out and later planted. Later you need to keep the necessary details in mind while growing holly trees. The best companion plants for holly are witch hazel, corylus (filbert), lindera (spicebush), Japanese maple and bamboo. If you see a black spot on holly trees it indicates that it is a diseased tree. Holly the plant is one you can use as a hedge, gift out on Christmas or use in landscaping.
