# Ep. 233 Deck the halls with holly: Growing and enjoying Ilex spp. | #GoodGrowing

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/good-growing-421021/ep-233-deck-the-halls-with-holly-growing-and-enjoying-ilex-spp-goodgrowing
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/good-growing-421021/ep-233-deck-the-halls-with-holly-growing-and-enjoying-ilex-spp-goodgrowing.md
Podcast: [Good Growing](https://stenobird.com/podcast/good-growing-421021)
Published: 2025-12-05T12:32:00+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/c3fc7918
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/c3fc7918/6123262a.mp3
Processing state: not_requested
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/good-growing-421021/episodes/ep-233-deck-the-halls-with-holly-growing-and-enjoying-ilex-spp-goodgrowing
Duration seconds: 3708

## Resource

Holly isn’t just a festive decoration; it’s a plant with a rich history that can be incorporated into almost any garden. Check out this week’s Good Growing Podcast, as we explore the fascinating world of holly ( Ilex spp.), from its cultural significance in ancient traditions to its role in modern landscapes. Learn about different species, tips for planting and care, how to ensure those iconic red berries appear, and even some surprising uses for holly. Whether you’re decking the halls or planning your garden, this episode has everything you need to know about this holiday favorite. Watch us on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ymwu5eIsyaw Skip to what you want to know: 00:37 - Welcome, Ken. Talking holly this week. 01:47 – Holly mythology 05:10 - General growing conditions and care of holly 07:47 - Holly are dioecious, what does that mean? How does that affect pollination and fruit production? 13:21 – Pruning hollies 16:19 – Holly species (some) 17:28 - Ilex glabra – Inkberry 22:26 - Ilex crenata - Japanese holly 26:06 - Ilex decidua – Possumhaw 28:07 - Ilex verticilata – Winterberry 31:39 - Ilex x meserve - Blue holly 35:05 - Ilex aquifolium - English holly 36:58 - Ilex opaca - American holly 41:00 - Ilex cornuta - Chinese holly 42:56 – ‘Nellie Stevens’ 45:59 – Ilex cornuta ‘Burford’ 47:17 – Holly and wildlife 50:11 – Tea made from holly and a taste test 58:09 – Holly and deer and rabbits 59:06 - Wrap-up, what’s up next week, and goodbye! Contact us! Chris Enroth: cenroth@illinois.edu Ken Johnson: kjohnso@illinois.edu Check out the Good Growing Blog: https:// go.illinois.edu/goodgrowing Subscribe to the weekly Good Growing email: https:// go.illinois.edu/goodgrowingsubscribe Any products or companies mentioned during the podcast are in no way a promotion or endorsement of th…

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## Transcript

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