Table of Contents
The best location for planting holly bushes is in well-drained but not dry, slightly acidic soil in full sun. That being said, most hollies are very tolerant of less than ideal locations and will grow well in part shade or dry or swampy soil.
Where does a holly bush grow best?
Holly bushes do best in well-drained, moderately acidic soil, in full sun. They don’t like to be transplanted, so think carefully about where you’ll plant.
Do holly bushes grow fast?
Once established, holly bushes grow at a slow to medium rate. You can expect to see height increases of between 12 and 24 inches per year.
When should you plant holly bushes?
Honeyberry plants can be planted in the fall or early spring, after the last threat of frost from late winter has passed. Honeyberries grow well in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 7, preferring moderate to cooler climates. They can be planted anytime during the growing season and survive because they enjoy cooler climates.
What conditions do holly like?
Hollies are easy to grow – they will grow in sun or partial shade, and prefer moist but well drained soil. The variegated varieties keep their colours better in full sun. Hollies can be grown as specimen plants in a lawn, or in a mixed or shrub border, and some make excellent hedges – great for garden security.
What can you plant in front of a holly bush?
A few common holly companions for planting next to the shrubs include boxwood, viburnum, clematis, hydrangea, and rhododendrons.
Do you need 2 holly bushes to get berries?
Hollies are dioecious, meaning that they need male and female plants in order to produce seeds, which are what berries are. So only female holly bushes will have the red berries. This means that if some of your holly bushes do not have berries, they may be male and simply cannot produce berries.
How do you tell a male holly from a female holly?
The best way to determine the sex of holly plants is by examining the flowers, which are located between the leaf and branch joint. Although the small clusters of creamy white flowers are similar in appearance, males have more prominent stamens than females.
How far apart do you plant holly bushes?
Space hollies 5 to 25 feet apart, depending on their mature size. Dig holes for each seedling that are just as deep as the root ball but about two to three times as wide in diameter. Set aside the removed soil. For hollies to cross-pollinate and bear fruit, male and female holly bushes must be planted near each other.
Is holly a good hedge?
Holly. Many species of holly work well as hedges. Smaller hollies, such as yaupon holly (pictured here), meserve holly, and inkberry, are the easiest types to use because they don’t require much pruning. Many varieties of holly bear red or orange berries, but may require a male pollinator nearby.
Can holly grow in shade?
Most hollies prefer full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Some species will grow in shade but will produce less fruit. Hollies are relatively pest-free, but some do suffer from winter die-back.
How do you plant holly bushes?
To plant holly, dig a hole two to three times the width of the plant’s root ball. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with or slightly higher than the surrounding soil. Allow at least 5 feet between smaller varieties and up to 25 feet for large, tree-type varieties.
How do I protect my holly bushes in the winter?
Construct a wind barrier to protect hollies from harsh winds and sunscald. Install three wooden stakes around the holly, then wrap burlap around the stakes. Leave the top open, and leave an opening for air to circulate around the tree, but be sure the burlap protects the holly from prevailing winds.
How do you encourage holly to grow?
Prune the stems and avoid cutting the leaves. If you cut the leaves they will discolour at the edges although they grow through this after a couple of years. It’s best to cut the stem above an actively growing bud. This will encourage the bud to grow and produce a new stem and leaves.
What type of holly bush do I have?
The best way to identify holly trees and bushes is by looking at the leaves and berries. Individual species of hollies have distinctive glossy leaves with wavy margins and jaggy spines, small blunt points, or smooth edges.
Is holly poisonous to dogs?
Holly Berries are Toxic To put it simply, the berries of the holly plant are toxic—not only to dogs, but also to other animals and children. These berries remain attached to the plant while it’s still fresh, but as the plant dries, the berries loosen and may fall off of your décor and onto the floor.
Are holly bushes good for front of house?
Holly trees and shrubs (Ilex spp.) are evergreen plants that make a festive, attractive addition to your front yard. Positioning your holly in the right place is important for the health of the plant, and the health of the plants around the holly.
Should holly trees be planted in pairs?
With evergreen holly, you will generally need 1 male for every 20 female hollies. These hollies can be up to 500 feet apart – although 300 to 400 feet is typically recommended. Winterberry (deciduous) holly need to be closer than evergreen holly. You’ll want to plant 1 male for every 5 to 10 females.
Are holly bushes Hardy?
Incredibly hardy, holly plants have an extensive, deep root system that allows them to establish themselves easily and compete well for nutrients and water. Even the hardiest plants can be affected by factors that prevent them from flowering and bearing berries.
