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Flower profile

Holly

Quick facts

Botanical name: Ilex opaca (American holly); Ilex aquifolium (English holly). In SAF's language of flowers, holly means domestic happiness.

Holly at a glance

Meaning
domestic happiness
Colors
  • Green foliage
  • Red berries
  • Orange berries
Season
Berries September through February; cut holly sold November-December.
Special care
Re-cut woody stems and keep in water; mist foliage. Keep cool and out of direct heat so berries and leaves do not drop.
Also called
American holly, English holly

Pet safety

Holly berries and leaves are toxic to dogs, cats and horses; berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea in children.

About hollies

An evergreen tree or shrub with thick, spiny, glossy leaves and bright red berries on female plants. Cut branches are a holiday staple for wreaths and arrangements.

How to make hollies last

  1. Keep them cool until they are in water. Keep your flowers in a cool place until you can get them into a flower food solution.
  2. Fill a clean vase with water and flower food. Use a clean, deep vase and add the flower food from your florist, following the mixing directions on the packet.
  3. Remove leaves below the waterline. Leaves in water promote bacterial growth that can limit water uptake by the flower.
  4. Re-cut the stems. Remove one to two inches with a sharp knife or clippers that will not crush the stems, then place the flowers straight into the vase.
  5. For hollies. Re-cut woody stems and keep in water; mist foliage. Keep cool and out of direct heat so berries and leaves do not drop.
  6. Keep them in a cool spot. 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit, away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents and ceiling fans.

Care steps from SAF’s flower care tips. More flower care tips →

Hollies as a potted plant

Landscape plant: sun to part shade, moist acidic soil; needs a male pollinator nearby for berries.

Questions about hollies

What does the holly mean?

In the traditional language of flowers, the holly stands for "domestic happiness".

What colors do hollies come in?

Hollies come in green foliage, red berries and orange berries.

How do you care for hollies?

Keep hollies cool until they are in water, use a clean vase with flower food, remove any leaves below the waterline, re-cut the stems by one to two inches and keep the vase at 65 to 72 degrees, away from direct sunlight and vents. For hollies: Re-cut woody stems and keep in water; mist foliage. Keep cool and out of direct heat so berries and leaves do not drop.

Are hollies safe around pets?

Holly berries and leaves are toxic to dogs, cats and horses; berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea in children.

Where can I buy hollies?

From a local SAF member florist. Enter the recipient's ZIP code on this page to find florists near them.

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