December 1, 2025

Photo Credit: UF/IFAS Photo Archive

Hollies are versatile, low-maintenance plants that thrive in Central Florida. Varieties range from large trees to compact shrubs, making them suitable for hedges, foundation plantings, or specimen trees.

There are three common hollies native to Florida: American, yaupon, and dahoon, as well as a hybrid of American and dahoon called ‘East Palatka’ holly. Holly plants have many different leaf shapes and vary in size. Growth forms also can vary from upright to weeping types. All four produce the shiny green leaves and red berries we associate with “Christmas holly.”

Hollies are dioecious, meaning there are both male and female trees. Only the female trees produce berries, which are also a source of food for wildlife.

Yaupon holly is especially interesting – the leaves contain caffeine. In fact, the yaupon boasts the highest caffeine content of any plant native to North America. For centuries peoples indigenous to the Americas enjoyed yaupon holly tea on a daily basis, but it was also used ceremonially.

Use this link to learn about preparation: Yaupon Holly Tea tutorial.

Photo Credit: UF/IFAS Photo Archive

 In central Florida, sudden cold snaps can damage tender ornamentals, fruit trees, and vegetable gardens. These UF/IFAS research-backed strategies can help you to minimize losses and keep landscapes resilient.

What are the Risks?

Sudden freezes after warm weather are more damaging than gradual cooling, because plants don’t have time to acclimate.

Radiational freezes occur when heat escapes from plant surfaces overnight, often leaving frost deposits.

Hard freezes (below 28°F) can kill sensitive plants outright.

Steps to Take Before a Freeze

• Check your inventory of covers - Having frost blankets ready ensures quick action when a freeze warning is issued.
• Move container plants indoors, onto porches, or into garages.
• Water soil thoroughly (moist soil holds heat better than dry).
• Cover tender plants with frost cloths, sheets, or blankets (avoid plastic).
• Anchor covers to the ground to trap rising soil heat.
• Wrap trunks of young citrus or ornamental trees with insulating material.
• Stop fertilizing late in the season to avoid tender new growth.

During the Freeze

• Keep covers in place overnight; remove them in the morning once temperatures rise.
• Do not prune: Resist the urge to trim damaged foliage during the freeze; it can expose living tissue to further injury.
• Protect trunks of young trees: Wrap with insulating material to prevent bark splitting.Cover plants completely:
• Drape frost cloths to the ground to trap heat. Anchor edges to prevent wind exposure.
• Check for recovery signs: Healthy plants often rebound once temperatures stabilize.
• Support wildlife: Damaged stems and winter berries can serve as habitat and food for pollinators and birds.

Long-term Strategies

• Choose cold-tolerant species: Incorporate hardy natives and temperate ornamentals into your landscape.

UF/IFAS Extension Marion County is a cooperation between the Marion County Board of County Commissioners and the University of Florida to deliver relevant, research-based education programs that result in healthy people, healthy environments and healthy economies.