Ilex (Holly): The Christmas Classic Our Monika Loves
Deep green, glossy leaves and bright red berries – Ilex, known as holly, has been linked to the holiday season for thousands of years. The ancient Romans decorated their homes with it at the winter solstice, long before it became part of Christmas decor as we know it today.
✅ Looking for a whole Christmas bouquet instead? ✅ Or something for the table – an Advent wreath?
Tip from owner Monika: "Holly is my personal favourite. It's what I love adding to Christmas bouquets more than anything else – that contrast of deep green and rich red just can't be replaced by anything. We mostly use it as an accent alongside amaryllis and roses, but feel free to order it on its own too, either as a cut branch or as a potted plant for the balcony."
Two forms you'll find with us
1. Cut holly
Perfect as an accent in your own Christmas arrangement, or on its own in a vase. The berried branches will keep for several weeks in water if you change it regularly.
2. Frost-hardy potted holly (Ilex aquifolium Argentea Marginata)
An ornamental variety with white-edged leaves that shrugs off frost – a great choice for a balcony, terrace or doorstep, where it will last for years, not just through Christmas.
An example from our workshop
We most often pair holly with white amaryllis and eucalyptus – that's exactly how our Christmas Amaryllis in Holly Bouquet came to be, one of our most popular Christmas combinations.
One thing to watch out for
Holly berries are decorative but not edible – if you have small children or pets at home, keep the plant or arrangement out of their reach.
Caring for holly
Cut branch: Trim the end at an angle, place in clean water and change the water every 3–4 days. It lasts best in a cooler spot, away from direct heating.
Potted plant: Loves partial shade and well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It handles hard frost outdoors, but indoors it dislikes the dry air from radiators – keep it in a cooler room or on the balcony instead.
Why order holly from KvětinyExpres.cz?
✅ Fresh stock: We source holly and other Christmas greenery continuously, not from storage.
✅ Reliable delivery: Our Airway vehicles deliver even sensitive plants without frost damage.
✅ Free personal note: We'll add a card with your text to every order.
>> BROWSE OUR CHRISTMAS DECOR <<
Monika and the whole KvětinyExpres.cz team
