As the spirit of the season commences, many of us have our homes decorated in the trimmings of Christmas. There are many icons that symbolize the holiday, but festive greenery is the gift that keeps on giving.

Poinsettias are a traditional trademark of the Christmas holiday. A native of Mexico, the plant was introduced to the United States in the mid-1800s by the U.S. Ambassador Joel Poinsett. Often found at local garden centers or supermarkets, poinsettias come in a variety of colors. These colors range from the well-known vibrant red, to a striking green or white, rosey pink and a variegated combination of them all. Bracts of the poinsettia, or colored leaves on the plant, should be observed when selecting a plant for purchase. The length of a poinsettia’s colorful presentation can be determined by examining the cyathium, or green flowering center-points of the plant. If the cyathium is large with visible pollen and sap excretion, that is a sign that the plant is nearing the end of display life and will likely lose foliage soon.

Many people may throw out their poinsettias after the height of the holiday, but with proper care these staples of Christmas can be utilized for multiple seasons. Once poinsettias lose foliage, the plant will become semi-dormant and should be kept relatively dry in a warm area. It is not necessary to water your poinsettia frequently during this time. After the threat of frost has passed, poinsettias may be repotted or planted directly into landscape beds. The LSU AgCenter recommends that at the time of repotting the stem of the poinsettia should be cut back to 4 to 6 inches above soil. New growth should emerge within 3 to 4 weeks after replanting. Poinsettias are heavy feeders; fertilizer should be applied regularly during the growing season.

Between September 15 to October 1, it is necessary to keep the poinsettia in 14 continuous hours of darkness a day to encourage a showy presentation in time for the Christmas season. Poinsettias, specifically those planted in a landscape, must be protected from temperatures below 40 degrees F.

Poinsettias of various colors on display at a local supermarket. – photo Alli Decell, LSU AgCenter

Hollies are another cold season classic in the landscape that bring holiday décor right to your yard. Specifically, the Savannah holly (Ilex x attenuata Savannah) is a great addition known for its tree-like form and uniform shape. The evergreen Savannah holly has spiny, dark green foliage and can reach 30-35 feet at maturity with a width of 8-10 feet. Savannah hollies are one of the fastest-growing of the tree-form hollies. They are also recognized for their prominent production of bright red berries in the fall and winter months. Although toxic to humans and pets, the berries of hollies often attract different species of birds who feed on the fruit.

Another well-known, hardy holly variety is the American holly. The American holly (Ilex opaca) at maturity can reach 35-50 feet tall with a spread of 15-25 feet. Although they are not as prolific berry producers as the Savannah holly, American hollies do regularly attract wildlife.

In comparison to the “tree-like” Savannah holly and American holly, Dwarf yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) and inkberry holly (Ilex glabra) are native shrubs that perform well in our South Louisiana climate. Both the Dwarf yaupon holly and Inkberry holly are great alternatives for little leaf boxwood shrubs, which are highly susceptible to diseases such as blights and boxwood die-back. Much like the Savannah holly and American holly, Dwarf yaupon holly and Inkberry holly produce red berry clusters that offer attractive color in the landscape during the winter months.

An up close look at the Dwarf yaupon holly. – photo Dr. Heather Kirk-Ballard

Savannah holly shows off an abundance of berry clusters. – photo Dr. Gary R. Bachman, MSU Extension Service

The LSU AgCenter recommends that when planting hollies, it is important to observe soil conditions. Hollies often prefer slightly acidic sandy or silt soils. Hollies do best in full sun, although American holly is often found in a shaded or partially shaded environment in their native habitat. For more information or additional inquiries, please contact the area Horticulture and Livestock Extension Agent, Alli Spillman Decell, at aspillman@agcenter.lsu.edu or call the office at 225-336-2416.