Posted: December 9, 2021
When it comes to determining the birth month flower for December, there is almost a three-way tie for the winner. Depending on location and other factors, the paperwhite narcissus, the poinsettia, and the holly are all contenders.
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Although there really is no one winner, the plant that is most likely to be thriving outdoors during December in Pennsylvania is the holly. Poinsettias prefer warm climates, and paperwhites can be forced to bloom indoors but not outside in cold weather. However, in this region, holly is generally hardy and green throughout cold and snowy Pennsylvania winters. Holly is hardy in USDA zones 5-9; Pennsylvania is in zones 5a-7a.
Holly has been known for centuries, but before it became a traditional Christmas symbol, it had a rich history of meanings throughout the ages. Folklore of many cultures has connected its own symbolism and religious significance to the plant. For instance, ancient Romans planted holly near their houses to protect them from lightning and witchcraft. They also associated holly with "Saturn the Sun God" and gave holly to friends during the Roman festival of Saturnalia, held around the winter solstice. In Great Britain, holly was considered to be a sacred winter solstice plant by the druids, symbolizing renewal of life and light.
Pagans and Celtics associated holly with spirits and forces of nature with the "Holly King" who ruled the earth from summer to winter. Celtic peoples placed holly around their homes to capture evil spirits trying to enter. Other meanings or superstitions noted that the flowers of holly could turn water to ice, represented hope and wealth, and were a symbol of fertility. Because of their sharp leaves, other cultures thought of holly as a symbol of combativeness, pain, and trickery. However, some felt that holly symbolized protection and defense.
Christian symbolism connected the prickly, pointy leaves of holly with Jesus' crown of thorns and it is therefore also known as "Christ's thorn." The berries are symbolic of the death of Christ because of their red color. Some stories tell that the berries were originally white but were stained red by drops of Christ's bloodshed for human salvation. Prior to the 1800s, a Christmas tree was actually a holly tree, not a typical evergreen as we use it today.
Holly represents the modern-day symbols of happiness, peace, and optimism at home. As the last birth flower of the year, it blends positivity of the festive holiday season with hope for the new year approaching.
Holly belongs to the family Aquifoliaceae. The Ilex genus contains over 400 species native to North and South America, China, Japan, Europe, and North Africa. They range in size from 6-inch dwarf plants to 50-foot tall trees with glossy leaves colored blue-green, dark green, or variegated with white or yellow edges. The fruits of hollies are fleshy and frequently brightly colored in hues of red, orange, yellow, and even black. Technically, they are not berries but drupes, which have a stony pit embedded in the pulpy outer layer. Ironically, holly has been believed by many cultures to have medicinal and healing properties. However, holly is poisonous to humans and many animals, including pets. Deer tend to resist it, but it is eaten by squirrels and small mammals. By contrast, holly berries are an important food source for some bird species.
Holly plants are dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on separate plants, but only the female plant bears fruit. Thus, male and female hollies must be planted close together to encourage pollination and fruit production. Holly bushes without berries generally are either male or isolated females. Those with many berries are always female. The small white cup-shaped flowers of the female attract insects for pollination during the spring and early summer months.
Usually planted as young shrubs, hollies grow best in full sun, and moist well drained soil with an acidic pH. They tolerate shade but will not achieve their full potential and will not perform well in dry, windy, unprotected sites. Holly's natural growing habit is an attractive pyramid shape, making it a year-round focal point in the garden. Careful consideration, however, must be given when choosing a planting locale. The size and shape of a mature plant needs sufficient space to grow.
Holly is vulnerable to a variety of insect and disease problems. Leaf miner and scale can affect it along with pests such as moths, beetles, and other insects. Cankers, bacterial blight, powdery mildew, and other diseases are troublesome as well.
Holly has been used in a number of beneficial ways. For example, holly sap mixed with animal fat or oils was historically used as an insecticide. Some species contain tannins that were used as dyes for fabrics. Native Americans preserved holly berries for use as decorative buttons which were highly prized trade items.
Though there are many species of evergreen holly, the two most likely to be associated with Christmas décor are English holly (Ilex aquifolium) or American holly (Ilex opaca).
English holly grows to 50 feet and provides valuable wood for veneers. Many horticultural varieties are available for ornamental plantings. American holly is used in cabinetmaking and interior finishing. It also has been used to make furniture, canes, and scroll work. The wood can be stained black and used instead of ebony for inlays and is often used for black and white inlays in musical instruments. It is also used for knife handles and black piano keys.
Mature plants can be managed by pruning them in late fall or winter and after they have been established for several years.
An added bonus of pruning is to collect the branches and use them as Christmas decorations. Holly branches covered with berries look stunning in outdoor arrangements or on a fireplace mantel. However, sometimes the leaves may drop if brought indoors. Holly is a thoughtful gift to give to those born in December. Much interest can be added to winter wedding décor as well. Tuck a sprig into the bouquet of the winter bride for special emphasis of the season. However, remember to keep children and pets away from them because of their toxicity.
No matter how holly is displayed, its glossy green leaves and sparkling red berries add excitement and vibrant color to dull winter landscapes and hints that spring is just around the corner!
~Joan Banyas, Penn State Extension Master Gardener, Luzerne County
