The author of the text is Katarzyna Pruchniewicz
Holly is usually associated with a shrub with decorative, dark green, pointed leaves that do not shed on winter, and decorated with bright red berries since autumn.In nature, there are about 400 species of holly, often different from our ideas about this plant.There are species with black fruits, small leaves, often with smooth ends, some of them have seasonal leaves.
Christmas ornament
The most popular Polish holly Ilex aquifolium, often used as a Christmas ornament, comes from the Mediterranean basin.In nature, it occurs in the form of a tree that is several meters high.In Poland, it usually grows in the form of a shrub, but in the western areas with milder climates, its tree forms can also be found. . Zachodniopomorskie).
Barbed holly tolerates frequent pruning very well and is therefore eagerly cultivated as a hedge plant and for forming various shapes. It prefers relatively moist and not too heavy soils. It also grows well in calcareous soils. It is not affected by urban pollution and dry air, especially in summer.Although it tolerates shaded positions well, it grows better in the sun.Due to its low frost resistance, it should be planted in places sheltered from the wind.
However, in the case of frost damage, frozen places quickly regenerate after winter, and traces of winter frosts quickly disappear.Due to the sensitivity to low temperatures, it is preferable to plant the plants in the spring.The bush should be covered with a special fleece in the winter.
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Żywopłot z ostrokrzewu kolczastego (Photo: Fotolia.com) |
female, male
Holly bushes are dioecious, which means that female and male flowers develop on separate plants. White little flowers appear on female specimens in May and June.In autumn, decorative, small, spherical or oblong fruits are formed in yellow, red, navy blue.The fruits stay on the branches even throughout the winter.
In order for fruit to appear on the bushes, one male shrub should be planted in the garden for several female bushes.If you want decorative fruit, never plant individual pieces.Male and female specimens do not differ in any way, only flowers and fruits inform about the type of plant.
Holly bushes in the garden
In order for the plants to blend in well with the garden, plant them several times in loose groups.The best ones are e.g. in the company of low shrubs: box trees, barberry, fireflies, pierises, bay leaves, rhododendrons, mahogany and laurel trees.
They also look good when planted next to taller shrubs: witch hazel, palm maple, dogwood, as well as with conifers, e.g. among mountain pine, yew, juniper. Holly bushes with dark green shiny leaves are a perfect backdrop for both spring flowering bulbs and perennials, especially funkas.Holly bushes can be planted in pots that can be used to decorate terraces, patios or balconies.
Unique plant
In the Mediterranean countries and in England, holly was cultivated already in antiquity. The plant has been worshiped in religions and mythologies. To this day, holly is considered a male tree. The Celts made spears from holly wood.Contemporary English writer Joanne Rowling used this plant for the purposes of her novel - Harry Potter's wand was made of a holly tree.
Leaves, bark and fruit, both fresh and dried, have been used in folk medicine. They were used to treat ailments such as runny nose, pleurisy, fever, rheumatism. In winter, holly leaves are valuable fodder for roe deer and deer in the woods.
