Author: florist Monika, KvětinyExpres.cz · Updated: October 2026
Deep green, glossy leaves and bright red berries: holly (Ilex) is one of the plants that have been tied to the holidays for thousands of years. The ancient Romans decorated their homes with it at the solstice long before it became part of Christmas decoration as we know it today.
In this guide you will find out what holly symbolises, how cut holly differs from frost-hardy holly in a pot, how to care for them, how to dry holly for a wreath and what to watch out for. At the end you will find answers to the most common questions.
What is holly and what does it symbolise
Holly, also known as Ilex, is an evergreen shrub with glossy prickly leaves and striking red berries that ripen towards the end of the year. The combination of deep green and bright red is ideal for Christmas decoration. In Christian symbolism holly represents the crown of thorns (the prickly leaves) and the blood of Christ (the red berries), and is therefore a symbol of eternal life. Holly is a dioecious plant: individual bushes are either male or female, and berries form only on female bushes.
A tip from co-owner Monika
“Ilex is my favourite. I like to put it into Christmas bouquets more than anything else – nothing else can replace that contrast of dark green and rich red. We use it mainly as an accompaniment to amaryllis and roses, but feel free to order it on its own, as a cut branch or in a pot for the balcony.”
Two forms of holly you will find with us
- Cut holly: Richly branched sprigs with berries, 50–60 cm long, from the Netherlands, grade A1. Good as an addition to your own Christmas arrangement or on its own in a vase. In a vase it lasts several weeks if you change the water regularly.
- Frost-hardy holly in a pot: Ilex aquifolium Argentea Marginata, an ornamental variety with cream-edged leaves and red berries. It is 15–20 cm tall in a 12 cm pot and tolerates frost, so it suits a balcony, terrace or doorstep.
Caring for cut holly
- Cut the end of the sprig at an angle and put it in clean water. Change the water every 3–4 days.
- It lasts best in a cooler spot, away from direct heating and direct sun.
- Mist fresh sprigs with water regularly so that the leaves stay glossy.
Holly in a pot: position and care
- Position: Shade or partial shade. Outdoors it tolerates even hard frosts, and it can be grown outside or in a cool interior.
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic and moist.
- Indoors: Dry air from radiators does not suit it, so keep it in a cooler room or on a balcony.
- In the garden: After planting out it grows up to 2–3 metres and lasts for years, not just until Christmas.
How to dry holly and use it after the holidays
A tip from florist Andrea
“You can let sprigs of holly dry and use them in Christmas decorations and wreaths, so they don't have to end up in the bin after the holidays.”
Holly suits wreaths, table decorations and arrangements on its own, and goes beautifully with a poinsettia or Advent wreaths.
Holly in Christmas bouquets
We most often combine holly with white amaryllis and eucalyptus. That is exactly how our Christmas Amaryllis in Ilex bouquet came about, one of our most popular Christmas combinations.
What 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.
Frequently asked questions about holly
Is holly frost hardy?
Ilex aquifolium Argentea Marginata is. Outdoors it tolerates even hard frosts and it can also be grown in a cool interior. It prefers shade or partial shade and moist soil.
Are holly berries edible?
No, they are decorative but not edible. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Why does my holly not produce berries?
Holly is dioecious, so male bushes do not produce berries and they appear only on female bushes. For a female bush to bear fruit, it needs a male plant nearby for pollination.
How long does cut holly last in a vase?
Sprigs with berries last several weeks in a vase if you change the water regularly, every 3–4 days.
How do I dry holly?
You can let the sprigs dry and use them in Christmas decorations and wreaths.
Where should I put holly in a pot?
In shade or partial shade. Indoors the dry air from radiators does not suit it, so it is better to keep it in a cooler room or on a balcony.
How tall does holly grow?
After planting out in the garden it grows up to 2–3 metres.
How much does holly cost?
Cut sprigs 149 CZK (50–60 cm), frost-hardy holly in a pot 197 CZK (15–20 cm).
Looking for more Christmas decoration? Take a look at Christmas, Christmas flowers and bouquets or how to make an Advent wreath. You can find holly with delivery on the pages Ilex (cut) and Ilex in a pot.
Related: Christmas Traditions, Mistletoe: A Christmas Tradition, The Symbolism of Christmas Flowers, Winter Window Boxes and Window Décor, Decorating a Grave at Christmas: Evergreens, Holly, Wreaths.
Christmas delivery 2026: We accept online orders until 5 p.m. on 23 December. On 24 December we deliver in the 9–12 time window and the shop is closed. We do not deliver on 25, 26 and 27 December and the shop is closed. From 28 to 31 December we deliver again, on 31 December in the 9–12 time window. We accept online orders for New Year's Eve until 5 p.m. on 30 December. The shop is open until 6 p.m. on 22 and 23 December and on 28–30 December, and until 12 noon on 31 December. On 1, 2 and 3 January 2027 the shop is closed and we do not deliver.
Monika, KvětinyExpres.cz
