The holly is quite easy to care for and grows slowly. Its evergreen branches with bright red berries are a sought-after Christmas decoration in many countries. The fruits are also a popular winter food for birds, but the berries are poisonous for humans.
How do you properly care for a holly tree?
For optimal care, the holly (Ilex) requires a bright location without waterlogging, humus-rich, lime-poor soil and an even water supply. It is hardy in winter and its berries are poisonous to birds but to humans.
Planting the holly
The holly prefers a bright location, either in the sun or in light partial shade. The soil should be humus and not too dry. The Ilex does not tolerate calcareous soil or waterlogging particularly well. The best planting times are spring or autumn. Older hollies are reluctant to be transplanted.
Water and fertilize the holly
Keep the soil for your holly evenly moist; a layer of mulch (€14.00 on Amazon) can help you with this. This is particularly useful in summer because the soil should never dry out completely. Without a layer of mulch, you will have to water a little more frequently. You don't have to fertilize your holly, but you can give it a little compost every now and then.
The Propagation of the Holly
You don't actually have to worry about propagating your Ilex. The berries are an excellent source of food for local birds. Bird droppings spread the seeds from the fruit throughout your garden. So you just need patience, because the seeds take a long time to germinate. Alternatively, you can also propagate the Ilex with cuttings or planters.
The holly in winter
The European holly is relatively hardy, after all it also grows wild in the forests. Their berries are an important source of food for local birds in winter. However, they are poisonous to many other animals. Even two or three berries can be fatal to smaller animals.
The most important things in brief:
- as bright a location as possible
- no waterlogging and soil with as little lime as possible
- easy care
- hardy
- Propagation by birds, cuttings or planters
- Berries poisonous to humans
- Branches are sought-after Christmas decorations
- important food source for native birds
Tip
Don't get holly from the forest, even if it seems to grow luxuriantly there. The European holly is one of the protected plants!
