The easy-care Ilex or holly is best known as a garden plant, but it can also be cultivated in pots. With its spiky, shiny leaves and bright red berries in autumn, it is extremely decorative.
The tempting berries serve as an important source of food for local birds from autumn to winter, as long as the berries are in stock. If they are not eaten, they will remain on the bush almost all winter long. Unfortunately, the berries are poisonous to humans, as are the leaves of the plant.
Is holly suitable for my garden?
Holly shouldn't necessarily be the focal point of your family garden while your children are still quite young. Older children understand that they are not allowed to eat the bright fruits. If you like watching birds and insects, then holly is ideal for your garden. The yellow flowers attract insects at least as much as the red fruits attract birds.
You can also cut the decorative branches with the bright red berries as winter decorations for your living room. However, keep in mind that holly grows slowly. The birds take over the reproduction of the Ilex for you. They spread holly seeds throughout your garden with their droppings.
Interesting facts about holly:
- very easy to care for
- slow growing
- Flowers very popular with insects
- poisonous berries in autumn (and winter)
- desired food source for birds
- Propagation often through bird droppings
Tip
Plant your holly so that you can watch the birds foraging in the fall and winter.
