By Amanda Rose Newton
The holiday season brings with it iconic decorations, from twinkling lights to evergreen wreaths.
Among these, mistletoe and holly hold a special place in the festive tradition. Let’s explore where mistletoe comes from, its intriguing history, and why it became a symbol of the holidays. We’ll also dive into the best holly trees for Central Florida and tips for caring for them in the Sunshine State.
Mistletoe: A Plant Shrouded in Mystery
Mistletoe is a fascinating plant with a long history steeped in folklore and tradition. It’s a hemiparasitic plant, meaning it attaches itself to the branches of host trees, such as oak or apple, to draw water and nutrients while still performing some photosynthesis on its own. Its name is derived from the Old English words “mistel” (meaning dung) and “tan” (twig), referencing the way its seeds are spread by birds via droppings.
The History of Mistletoe in Holiday Traditions
The association of mistletoe with the holidays dates back to ancient times:
Celtic Druids: The Druids believed mistletoe had magical properties, as it grew high in the branches of sacred oak trees. It was used in rituals to bring fertility, protection, and good luck.
Norse Mythology: Mistletoe played a role in the story of Balder, the god of light. After being killed by an arrow made of mistletoe, his mother, Frigg, declared the plant a symbol of love, vowing to kiss anyone who passed beneath it.
Victorian England: The custom of kissing under the mistletoe became popular during the Victorian era, symbolizing romance and goodwill. A kiss was thought to bring good fortune, and refusing a kiss was considered bad luck.
Today, mistletoe continues to adorn doorways and ceilings, bringing a touch of romance and history to holiday celebrations.
Holly: A Timeless Holiday Symbol
With its glossy green leaves and bright red berries, holly has been a staple in holiday décor for centuries. Its striking appearance and evergreen nature make it a symbol of resilience and vitality during the winter months.
The Role of Holly in Holiday Traditions
Pagan Festivals: Holly was used in winter solstice celebrations as a symbol of protection and to ward off evil spirits.
Christian Symbolism: Holly’s pointed leaves and red berries are thought to represent the crown of thorns and the blood of Christ, tying it closely to Christmas traditions.
Victorian Era: Holly was widely used in wreaths, garlands, and other decorations, cementing its place in holiday décor.
The Best Holly Trees for Central Florida
While traditional holly varieties thrive in cooler climates, there are Florida-friendly options that bring the same festive charm to your landscape. Here are some of the best holly trees for Central Florida:
East Palatka Holly (Ilex × attenuata)
A hybrid holly with a pyramidal shape, glossy green leaves, and vibrant red berries.
Care Tips: East Palatka Holly prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It’s drought-tolerant once established and grows well in Florida’s sandy soils.
Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine)
A native Florida holly with smaller leaves and clusters of red berries that attract birds.
Care Tips: Dahoon holly thrives in wet conditions, making it a great choice for areas with poor drainage or near water features. It can tolerate full sun or partial shade.
American Holly (Ilex opaca)
Features: Known for its traditional holiday look, this holly has large, spiny leaves and bright red berries.
Care Tips: American Holly prefers acidic, well-drained soils and requires moderate watering. It’s slightly less heat-tolerant than other varieties but can adapt to Central Florida with proper care.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
A versatile native holly with small, glossy leaves and abundant red berries. It’s available in shrub and tree forms, making it perfect for various landscaping needs.
Care Tips: Yaupon Holly thrives in full sun to partial shade and is highly drought-tolerant once established. It can adapt to a range of soil types, including sandy or alkaline soils.
Eagleston Holly (Ilex attenuata ‘Eagleston’)
A popular cultivar with a symmetrical, pyramidal shape and dense foliage. It produces vibrant red berries that add a festive touch.
Care Tips: Eagleston Holly grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. It is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.
How to Care for Holly in Florida
Sunlight: Most holly trees prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Make sure they get at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily.
Soil: Plant holly in well-draining soil. Amend sandy Florida soils with organic matter to improve nutrient retention.
Watering: Water newly planted holly trees regularly until established. Mature trees are generally drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional deep watering during dry spells.
Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
Fertilizing: Use a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in spring and fall.
Bringing Mistletoe and Holly into Your Home
Whether you’re hanging mistletoe to spark holiday romance or decorating with holly to add festive flair, these plants are rich in history and symbolism. For Central Florida gardeners, holly trees offer a beautiful and practical way to incorporate a timeless holiday tradition into your landscape. With proper care, they’ll provide seasonal cheer for years to come.
