Are Holly trees only for Christmas?

Holly trees, with their glossy green leaves and bright red berries, are one of the most recognisable symbols of Christmas. But is their beauty limited to the holiday season? Many people believe holly trees are just for festive decoration, but these versatile evergreens have year-round value and rich cultural heritage.

Not just for Christmas

Holly trees are evergreen, meaning they keep their foliage throughout the year. While their red berries are most vibrant in winter, holly trees begin producing berries in late summer or early autumn. This makes them a reliable source of colour and structure through the colder months – not just at Christmas.

Holly trees come in various shapes and sizes. Dwarf varieties are perfect for hedging or low-maintenance ground cover, while larger species can be grown as ornamental feature trees. Many can be shaped into pyramids or even festive topiary with regular pruning, giving you design flexibility all year long.

While most people recognise the red berries, holly trees can also produce yellow, orange and even black berries depending on the variety. Likewise, their leaves can range from smooth to sharply spined, offering a unique visual character for every garden.

The history of holly trees

Holly trees are native to the UK and have played a significant role in British folklore. In ancient Druid and Norse cultures, holly was considered sacred, believed to offer protection against evil spirits during the winter solstice. It was often planted near homes or used in seasonal rituals.

Today, holly continues to be a festive favourite, used in wreaths, garlands and decorative arrangements; but its significance goes far beyond Christmas. As a native evergreen with beautiful year-round appeal, holly is a meaningful and sustainable choice for any garden.

So, while holly trees shine during the festive season, they are much more than a Christmas decoration. With their evergreen beauty, vibrant berries and historical roots, holly trees deserve a place in your garden all year round.

Support from MyTree™

Every holly tree gift from Tree2mydoor includes access to MyTree™ – our aftercare service that offers seasonal advice, monthly care tips and a full year of expert guidance. Whether you’re growing holly as a garden feature or for festive foliage, we’re here to help it thrive.

Established in 2003, Tree2mydoor has supported customers with meaningful, living gifts that last a lifetime. A holly tree is a gift that keeps on giving – long after the decorations are packed away.