hollies

Hollies refers to holly, the common name for several species of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the genus Ilex. Holly plants are typically valued for their glossy leaves, which are often dark green and may have spiny or serrated margins. They produce small, inconspicuous flowers and, in many species, bright red, orange, or black berries after flowering. Many holly species are dioecious, meaning male and female plants are required for fruit production. Hollies have long been used ornamentally and are associated with winter holidays in many cultures, where the berries provide food for birds.

In horticulture, hollies are cultivated for year-round foliage and winter fruit. Common garden species include Ilex aquifolium (English holly) and various cultivars selected for leaf shape, spine density, and ornamental berry display. They are popular as specimen plants, hedges, or screens in landscapes and can tolerate a range of soil types when well drained. Some varieties are evergreen in temperate climates, while others are more tolerant of cold or shade. Care typically involves regular watering after planting, with attention to well-drained soil and protection from harsh winter winds; pests such as scale insects and leaf spot can occasionally affect them.

The Hollies are a British rock and pop group formed in Manchester in 1962. They became known for close vocal harmonies and melodic guitar-driven songs, and were part of the British Invasion of the 1960s. Early successes included hits such as Just One Look and Bus Stop. In 1968, Graham Nash left the group to join Crosby, Stills & Nash, later replaced by Terry Sylvester. Their later hits include The Air That I Breathe and He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother, illustrating their enduring influence on pop-rock harmony.