It's spring and everywhere trees are leafing out. But your Holly has some of its leaves turning yellow and dropping. Don't worry! Your Holly is just going through its natural, yearly spring leaf-shedding process.

I'm honored to share that one of my best Hollies, the native American Holly Ilex opaca 'Sundown', has been chosen as the 2026 Holly of the Year by the Holly Society of America. Meeting the criteria for this distinguished designation requires years of research and dedicated observation. Most of us have heard the old saying “Oaks from little acorns grow.” But have you ever witnessed the growth progression of a Holly tree from a tiny seed?

American Hollies are beautiful year round, but as the days turn colder and shorter, they come into their full glory, with their glistening dark green leaves and glowing red berries. In my view, American Hollies are the unrivaled crown jewel of the horticultural world.