Propagating Holly

This English holly, called 'Golden Queen', features variegated gold and green foliage.

Holly belongs to the Ilex genus. There are approximately 20 American holly species, 120 Asian species and nearly 200 varieties of English holly.

Spiny porcupine holly is named for the prickles on its surface as well as the edge.

When most people think of holly, they think of the beautiful bright berries. From cherry red berries on English holly to orange berries on American holly, it’s usually the holly berry that steals the show. On some English hollies it’s the variegated foliage that’s the main attraction.

The berries make a beautiful display against the stems of this deciduous holly.

Hollies can be either male or female and the female produces the bounty of berries. But you need a male holly somewhere nearby as well to pollinate your female holly.