UpDate - Vol. 14, No. 15, Page 8
December 15, 1994
Variety of holly trees thrive in Delaware Botanic Gardens

     The legends behind using holly as a cut green for decorations are
almost as beautiful as the boughs themselves. As far back as 2,000
years ago, when Druid priests ruled ancient Britain and France, the
holly tree was regarded as a sacred plant, thought to repel evil
spirits and presented as tidings of good will. As Christianity slowly
replaced the pagan religion, holly maintained its spiritual
significance throughout Europe.
     Some historians believe that the name holly is a corruption of
the word "holy." In fact, in Germany, where holly is called
Christdorn, legend tells us that the branches of this tree were woven
into Christ's crown of thorns. When the holly's yellow berries were
stained by Christ's holy blood, they remained red.
     Whatever its origin, the bright red and green of holly boughs
have heralded winter celebrations for centuries and still symbolize
Christmas and the holiday season.
     Visitors to the University's Botanic Gardens can get a firsthand
look at more than 50 varieties of holly that thrive in Delaware. An
American Holly Society test arboretum is maintained on the grounds of
the College of Agricultural Sciences next to the Fischer Greenhouse
Laboratory.
     "Our arboretum is labeled and accessible to the public," John
Frett, ornamental horticulture, said. "Commercial nurseries or other
educational institutions are interested in the arboretum to see how
well particular varieties do in this climate."
     To maintain the status of the test arboretum, Frett files an
annual report with the American Holly Society that details any changes
in the hollies over the past year. This would include varieties added
or deleted, and any insect, disease or weather damage. The society
publishes results from all of the holly test arboretums around the
country.
     The dark green leaves and bright red berries of the holly boughs
that lend festive color to the landscape are also used as indoor
decorations.
     "The American Holly, Delaware's state tree, is being replaced by
the darker leafed English Holly as a choice Christmas decoration,"
Frett noted. "And although holly sold as wreaths and cut greens was a
big industry in Delaware, the state has been replaced by California as
a leader in the cut greens industry."
     Indoors, holly is best used as a table decoration or as sprays on
mantels, Frett says. A dry house can quickly ruin the look of your
holly as both leaves and berries may drop as the bough dries out.
Frett suggested cutting the greens as fresh as possible, and only
expect them to look their best for about a week. He also cautions that
the berries are slightly toxic, so should be kept away from children
and pets.
                                                        -Claire McCabe