Holly

The holly plant has long been associated with Christmas traditions. A holly tree represents different aspects of Christ's crucifixion with the leaves symbolizing the thorn crown at his brow and the red berries symbolizing his blood spilt for the salvation of mortals.

Holly tree sales skyrocket during the winter season. Holly plants make great Christmas gifts for those who want to bring the outdoors inside during the cold winter months.

The berries on holly trees come in colors of red, yellow, white and green. In America alone the number of holly plant varieties expands into the hundreds. Not all holly plants are evergreens. Growing a holly tree is easy for those living in the right zones. Just remember that time is important to a holly. The plant grows at a significantly slower pace than most other bushes and trees. Most hollies are dioecious, meaning they need a male and female counterpart to reproduce. A Foster holly tree is one of few hollies with the female variety that produced fruit without male fertilization. Let an American holly tree grow wild, or create a hedge with them. Pruning holly trees grouped together makes an attractive barrier. A black spot on holly trees may be a sign of fungus. Water plants early in the morning to allow roots from becoming too waterlogged.

Strawberry bushes, Japanese Maples and Roses make the best companion plants for holly.

Those interested in growing holly trees search in a phone book, or online for holly tree nurseries. Gardening and botany books give detailed information and photos of how to care for a holly tree.

The fruit of the holly tree, berries, hold the brightest color in the winter and provide a striking contrast against fallen snow. This explains partly why different cultures associate holly berries and trees with magic. Holly berries are poisonous to humans. Keep children and small pets away from them.

In Europe, the belief that holly plants ward off evil spirits still exists today. Bring holly branches inside during the cold winter months for fairies and pixies to play in.

In Norse mythology, the holly berry plant, separated by two sexes, was sacred to the gods, Freya and Thor. Ancients also believed that the wood of the holly tree represented divine authority or immortality.

The use of holly in mythology shows up in other culture legends, such as Japanese, Celtic, American, and South American. Interesting to note that it remains absent in Jewish and Islamic tree legends.