The pick of the hollies
sprigs of holly with berries are in high demand this month, making now the ideal time to plant a holly bush to ensure there is plenty to harvest in the near future. Most hollies are dioecious, (female or male). For the female to produce berries, a male must be nearby. some hollies are self-fertile, so if you only have room for one, choose the popular ilex aquifolium ‘JC van tol’, which is full of berries. garden centres and nurseries label plants male or female, but don’t be fooled by names. For example, ilex ‘golden King’ is female. if space permits, buy one female and one male to ensure a flourish of berries.