Tell the Difference Between Male and Female Holly Plants

How can I tell the difference between male and female holly shrubs? I’ve recently learned I need to plant both in order to get berries.

A close look at the flowers will reveal the difference. The male flower has a straight stem and a flower containing pin like structures called stamen. These contain the pollen needed to pollinate the female flowers that will eventually develop the fruit. The female flower has a swollen base, almost a vase like, in the center. It contains the eggs. Once pollinated, these will develop into the red berries. The flowers are often overlooked making this a tedious and difficult task. You may want to simply add another pair, a male and female, of hollies just to be sure.

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