Domestic Greenhouse Enchantment: Learn How to Cultivate Charming Winter Plants Like Mistletoe in Your Own Backyard
Mistletoe, a popular Christmas decoration and symbol of romance, is more than just a festive ornament. This parasitic plant has a fascinating history and can be a part of your garden if managed carefully.
The fruits of mistletoe are toxic to humans and pets if ingested in large quantities. However, the tradition of hanging mistletoe for Christmas has a history that stretches back to ancient Druids and Norse mythology. The preferred host plants for mistletoe in North America are primarily species of deciduous trees, especially oaks, maples, and poplars.
Mistletoe can be problematic for a tree that is already weakened due to environmental stressors, insect pests, or disease. If a tree is heavily infested with mistletoe, it may need to be removed entirely. Once mistletoe has been established, it is very difficult to control, and pruning out infected branches of the host tree is the only effective control measure. It is advisable to prune mistletoe once it is established to keep it in check and protect the host tree.
For those interested in growing mistletoe, you need berries from a wild plant and a compatible, mature host. To grow mistletoe, the seeds should be squeezed out of the fruits and pressed directly into the bark of the desired host tree. The seeds do not require fertilizing, watering, or any other care after they are applied to the host. Choose a mistletoe species that is native to where you live to avoid potential invasiveness.
Mistletoe can be included in wildlife gardening, as cedar waxwings will feed on it and also spread the seeds. Different species of mistletoe prefer different hosts. European mistletoe grows best on apple trees, European lindens, poplars, hawthorns, and black locust, while American mistletoe, the mistletoe that is harvested and sold for Christmas decor, has a host range of around 60 different tree species.
If you prefer an artificial mistletoe for your Christmas decorations, there are options available. The Kurt Adler C3790 Artificial Mistletoe Pick With Red Bow is priced at $6.62, while the artificial mistletoe from Walmart is priced at $9.39. Another option is an artificial mistletoe with a bow, priced at $7.41.
The best time to plant mistletoe is late fall or early spring. A good host plant will be mature, robust, and healthy, and should not be close to a walkway, driveway, or structure. The tradition of kissing beneath mistletoe became widespread around 300 years ago. Both male and female mistletoe plants are required for berry formation.
In conclusion, mistletoe is a fascinating plant with a rich history and a role in both Christmas traditions and wildlife gardening. Whether you choose to grow it in your garden or use it as a decoration, remember to manage it carefully to protect your host trees.
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