Question
Hello! I have a quick question re: Holly. For 59 years my family's holly tree has produced red berries in December. For the last 2 years it has produced berries in September. Do you have any information to why this is happening? is it climate change? Thanks for your help! Our Christmas just isn't the same without grandma's holly over the fire place!!
Kelley
Larkspur
Answer
The berries of English Holly do naturally start to ripen in September on the sunniest side of the shrub and are completely ripe by late October. The berries should still look fresh and ripe in December for the holidays. As you haven't used the berries now for 2 years, I am assuming that they don't look good anymore, have shriveled or blackened by December. Beyond climatic change, which does seem to exist as we have seen fall symptoms in our surroundings in early August for the last few years, it could be that the holly is receiving more sun. Has a tree or screen been removed?
We also have had very hot or dry summers the last 2 years. Is the holly being watered regularly in hot dry weather? Lack of adequate moisture can cause berries to shrivel. Plants in full sun can sunburn (Blacken) when temperatures soar. I suggest you keep your plant irrigated to keep the berries looking fresh, once the temperatures cool, those berries should last.
I hope this helps. As always feel free to visit any of our Sloat locations for more expert advice!
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