Hellebores and hollies for the holidays
Holiday-themed houseplants such as poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) and amaryllis (Amaryllis spp.) are often given as a token of friendship or as a holiday tradition. If you are searching for an unusual gift for someone who does not keep houseplants but likes to garden outdoors, consider giving hellebores and hollies, which are interesting perennials associated with winter holidays.
Because hellebores and holly berries are poisonous to humans and pets, keep these plants outdoors once they have been given. They are best appreciated in existing outdoor holiday displays in protected areas, such as porches and shrub-dense areas.
Hellebores (Helleborus spp.) are evergreen flowering perennials in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Popular varieties of hellebores include Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) and Lenten rose (Helleborus x hybridus). Both varieties produce long-lasting blooms in an array of colors — from white and yellow to purple, pink and, even, red — often with stunning central markings.
These shade-loving plants are low maintenance and deer resistant. Their palmlike foliage remains green year-round, and the flowers resemble roses in shape. Their palmate leaves (umbrella-shaped and divided into seven to nine segments) remain green year-round, and the flowers resemble roses in shape. Flower stems emerge and remain above the foliage, and the weight of the flowers pulls them downward, as if they are blooming face down. Select plants that have healthy, green foliage with a mix of full blooms and buds.
Holly is an evergreen tree associated with winter holidays.
The American holly (Ilex opaca) has glossy, stiff, spiky, green leaves that hold their color year-round and serve as protection for birds and wildlife. In addition, their tiny spring-blooming white flowers attract pollinators, and red berries feed birds and wildlife throughout the winter months.
The American holly is dioecious (male and female are separate plants) and plants of both sexes are needed to produce berries. The American holly is slow growing, and a mature specimen can reach 50 feet tall and 18 to 40 feet wide; however, with pruning, American holly is a lovely shrub that could be used as a border plant or in a hedge. Look for specimens that are neatly pruned, with healthy green leaves.
Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) is native to the northeastern United States. A deciduous shrub, winterberry holly loses its leaves; however, this lack of foliage makes its deep red or gold berries a visual standout on the leafless branches. Berries are eaten by birds and wildlife. As with the American holly, both male and female shrubs are needed to produce berries.
When choosing any of these plants as a gift, consider the gardener’s existing garden space, design and plant preferences. The hellebores and hollies require regular watering and vigilance for changes in foliage, which may indicate the plant’s roots are freezing. Protecting the pots with layers of mulch will prevent roots from freezing until they are planted in the spring when the expectation of frost has passed.
Penn State Extension has additional information about hellebores (https://extension.psu.edu/programs/master-gardener/counties/warren/demonstration-gardens/betts-demonstration-garden/hellebore) and holly (https://extension.psu.edu/holly-legends-customs-and-myths).
Hellebores and hollies add a different twist to holiday gift-giving. If you have questions about hellebores or hollies, call the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Butler County Garden Hotline at 724-287-4761, ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.
Lisa Marie Bernardo is a Penn State Extension Butler County Master Gardener.
