{"id":3059,"date":"2026-10-21T16:32:35","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T16:32:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/safnow.org\/aboutflowers\/holly\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T16:32:35","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T16:32:35","slug":"holly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/safnow.org\/aboutflowers\/holly\/","title":{"rendered":"Holly"},"content":{"rendered":"

Flower Common names: American holly, English holly<\/p>\n

Botanical name: Ilex opaca (American holly); Ilex aquifolium (English holly)<\/p>\n

Flower description: 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.<\/p>\n

Colors: green foliage, red berries, orange berries<\/p>\n

Availability: Berries September through February; cut holly sold November-December.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Plant care: Landscape plant: sun to part shade, moist acidic soil; needs a male pollinator nearby for berries.<\/p>\n

Meaning: domestic happiness<\/p>\n

Pet safety: Holly berries and leaves are toxic to dogs, cats and horses; berries can cause vomiting and diarrhea in children.<\/p>\n

Sources:<\/strong> plants.ces.ncsu.edu<\/a> \u00b7 aspca.org<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Botanical name: Ilex opaca (American holly); Ilex aquifolium (English holly). 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