Home Grown
Tips and resources for farmers and gardeners |
Home Grown
Tips and resources for farmers and gardeners |
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Brighten
Winter
With Holly How can we brighten up a bleak winter landscape? One way is by incorporating evergreen and semi-evergreen shrubs into landscape plantings. For centuries Europeans have been using hollies to dress up their winter landscapes, indoors and out. To brighten up your surroundings, consider these holly and holly-look-a-likes in your landscaping plans for the coming year. Hybrid Holly -- (Ilex x meserveae) The most commonly grown holly in America's Midwest. It has spiny, lustrous leaves that are a deep beautiful green. Hollies require both male and female plants for production of the coveted red berries. A reputable nursery should be able to assist with choosing compatible male and female cultivars. Desiccation in winter winds and sun scald in the summer can be a problem so hollies need a protected location. North and easterly exposures work particularly well for growing hollies in our climate. Many hybrids are available, some faring better in winter than others, so pick one that is appropriate for where you live.
Creeping mahonia -- (Mahonia repens) Native to Nebraska's Pine Ridge and the Black Hills, this is our version of Oregon grapeholly. Similar to its cousin in appearance, with slightly duller leaves, its outstanding fall color surpasses that of Oregon grapeholly. It only grows 10-18 inches high and has a gently creeping habit. Yellow flowers dress it up in the spring and black fruits in late summer. Once it is established it is extremely drought tolerant. It should be used more throughout Nebraska especially in droughty situations and western Nebraska landscapes. Zone 4.. Source: |
 Holly Direct from the Grower  American Holly Seeds |
