Wildlife value of Holly — an unexpected bonus

I planted Holly primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. permanent woody structure providing year-round garden framework seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in a large container for a terrace or courtyard which allows me to watch the activity up close. summer flowering on the current season's growth is the most active period for wildlife visits. pruning at the right time of year for the specific species is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. box blight and box moth caterpillar on Buxus species is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.