Deck the Halls (and Pots!) with Boughs of Holly: Festive Shrubs for Container Cheer

by Ken Lain, the mountain gardener

The holidays are here, and while the scent of pine and fir fills the air, another festive evergreen deserves a container spot at the front door. Holly and its glossy leaves, vibrant berries, and rich symbolism adds a touch of Christmas charm to any setting. Its versatility goes beyond wreaths and garlands; Holly makes an exceptional container plant. Consider adding holiday lights to your holly-inspired containers for a festive entrance, patio, or deck that will easily last into the New Year ahead. Holly loves showing off in outside containers, no matter the wintry cold of the holidays.

From compact dwarfs to towering columns, there's a holly variety perfect for every pot and patio. Here are some of my top picks for festive container gardening:

Vertical Interest:

Sky Pencil Holly - This narrow, upright cultivar is a showstopper in any container. Its columnar shape adds height and drama, making it ideal for flanking doorways or creating a focal point on your porch. Imagine a pair of these flanking your front door, adorned with twinkling lights – pure holiday magic!

Compact Spaces:

LittleOne Holly - Don't let the name fool you, this dwarf Holly packs a big punch of festive color. Its compact, rounded form is perfect for smaller pots and tabletop displays. Tuck it amongst winter pansies and trailing ivy for a charming arrangement.

Red Beauty Holly - This compact hybrid offers a profusion of bright red berries against dark green foliage. Its dense growth makes it ideal for container shaping and topiary. Try planting it in a jade green container for a touch of old-world elegance.

Touch of Gold:

Gold Coast Holly - Brighten up your winter containers with this variegated beauty. Its green leaves are edged with a striking golden yellow, adding a touch of sunshine to even the dreariest days. Pair it with deep red or purple foliage plants like heuchera or coral bells for a stunning contrast.

Classic Charm:

English Holly - No holiday scene is complete without the iconic English Holly. Its spiny, dark green leaves and clusters of scarlet berries are synonymous with Christmas cheer. While it can grow quite large in the ground, it can be easily managed in a container for many years, making a stunning centerpiece on your patio.

Year-Round Interest:

Compact Holly - This versatile cultivar offers dense, dark green foliage and a tidy, rounded form. While it doesn't produce abundant berries, its evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and interest in your container gardens. It's the perfect backdrop for seasonal displays, from spring bulbs to autumn mums.

Pop of Color:

Red Colonade Holly - This upright, vase-shaped Holly boasts an abundance of bright red berries that persist throughout the winter. Its unique form adds architectural interest to containers, making it a striking addition to any holiday display.

Unique Foliage:

Goshiki Holly - Adds a touch of the unexpected with this variegated Japanese Holly. Its small, glossy leaves are speckled with green, white, and pink, creating a kaleidoscope of color in your containers. This unique Holly will spark conversation and add visual interest to your holiday decor.

Tips for Holly in Containers:

• Choose the right pot: Choose a container that is at least twice the size of the root ball and has good drainage.
• Use well-draining soil: Holly prefers Watters Potting Soil, which is slightly acidic and rich in organic matter.
• Fertilize monthly through winter: Use Watters Flower Power monthly through winter and twice monthly when new leaves and flowers form in spring for amazing berries.

Think beyond the traditional Christmas tree this holiday season and bring the festive spirit to your patio and porch with holly-filled containers. Whether you prefer classic red berries, variegated foliage, or unique shapes, a holly variety suits your style and space. So, deck the halls (and pots!) with boughs of Holly and let this iconic evergreen bring joy to your winter wonderland.

Until next week, I'll be helping gardeners with festive holly plants here at Watters Garden Center.