Enchanted Florist's Monthly Flower Spotlight is on holly.

Holly has long been associated with Christmas and the winter solstice. As an evergreen, it is alive and beautiful when other trees and bushes have lost their leaves and appear half-dead. Druids believed holly was sacred to the solstice. Ancient Romans considered holly to be the plant of the god Saturn. Since the Middle Ages, British churches decorated their altars with holly and ivy at Christmas time.

"The Holly and the Ivy" has been a popular Christmas carol for centuries. It dates back at least to the early 18th century, and may be older. Holly is mentioned in several other songs, including one by King Henry VIII, "Green Groweth the Holly," where he compares the holly and ivy steadfastly staying green in winter to his own constancy and loyalty to the lady he is courting. 

Holly bushes should be handled with care. The lower leaves have sharp spines. In older plants, the higher leaves do not have sharp points. Holly can live over 100 years and is popular in hedges because the sharp leaves discourage trespassers. The leaves are dark green on top and a lighter green on the bottom. 

Children and pets should avoid the bright red berries, which can cause vomiting. The berries are very bitter when they first mature in October or November. Not until late winter do they soften, when they become safe for birds, rodents, and deer to eat. Humans should not eat them. The leaves were once used for medicine and in Germany were used as a substitute for tea.

Holly wood is hard, and white once completely dry. It is used for ornamental work, such as inlays (often dyed), mathematical instruments, walking sticks, and formerly, light driving whips. In the Harry Potter books by J. K. Rowling, Harry's wand was made of holly wood, with a phoenix feather at its core.

Holly is the plant badge of Clan Drummond.

Holly is popular in Christmas floral arrangements, especially with pine and red carnations.

For your holiday flowers, contact Enchanted Florist in Pasadena.