Growing holly inside is definitely an option, although a few special rules and procedures apply. Prune holly lightly at any time, though severe pruning must … To plant holly, dig a hole two to three times the width of the plant's root ball. They come in many forms, from large trees to dwarf shrubs, and are drought tolerant once established. Water your holly plant on a regular schedule. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. To pollinate successfully, the male plant must be a variety that flowers at the same time as the female plant. You can also lower pH by working a sulfur-based fertilizer into the ground at planting time. Holly, genus of some 600 species of shrubs and trees in the family Aquifoliaceae, distributed nearly worldwide. Holly plants already acclimated to indoor growing will experience less shock when placed in a home with an indoor heating system. Holly Bush Care About Ilex (Holly) Shrubs And Trees Everyone recognizes Ilex, more commonly known as holly bush. Q. Dig in compost, manure or fertilizer if soil amendments are needed. Water the ground around the holly bush on the warmest day possible in winter if you notice early signs desiccation or shriveling, indicators of winter burn. HOLLY BUSH - GROW & CARE FOR HOLLY Enjoy Christmas cheer all year long with these favorite shrubs By Janet Loughrey. Evergreen. Full sun. Although both produce small white flowers, only female plants produce berries. are nature’s own holiday décor. When sheared, the plant should be wider at the base than the … Before planting holly, work the soil thoroughly with a spade or tiller. Although holly tolerates pruning well, it usually needs no pruning. Choose a planting site that receives six to eight hours of full sunlight and has rich, well-drained soil for optimal berry and foliage production. When the water drains, finish filling the hole with soil, then use the back of a shovel to firm the soil around the plant. Chinese Holly appreciates moist, well-drained soil when planted in the ground or a pot. Choose a rather large pot at least eight inches wider than the root ball. Most varieties are suitable for U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8. Mix in compost as an amendment. You’ll be able to decorate the little holly tree at Christmas time. An outstanding compact, dense foliage shrub with dark glossy green leaves that have one spine at the tip. Most types of holly are either male or female. Indoor Holly Care. Cut out single sprigs of holly for flower arrangements and holiday displays as desired. Generally, holly requires no supplemental fertilization. Gardeners in northern climates are faced with a challenge in keeping the landscape interesting when the last of the autumn flowers and colorful fall foliage have faded. You can find red, pink, blue, orange, yellow, and white berries, with some varieties more showy than others. However, you are more likely to come across native American holly (Ilex opaca). You’ll be able to decorate the little holly tree at Christmas time. These trees are also known for producing a large number of berries beloved by wildlife. Prune the holly bush as desired to shape it or control its spread. Excellent for use as a low hedge, in containers or in mass plantings. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. If you only have room to grow one reasonable sized holly bush in your garden then make sure it is a female holly plant. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Several species are cultivated as ornamentals for their distinctive foliage and red or black fruits, which persist into winter and are popular Christmas decorations. Is it lack of feed? From evergreens to winter garden ideas and everything in between, these plants give … Keep the soil just moist. Holly is most commonly associated with the Christmas season, the branches and berries a favorite component of holiday decorations. But if your landscape has been well planned, winter need not be a time of colorlessness. Once a year, fertilize the bushes in a year with a balanced fertilizer. The best source of plants is a greenhouse or a plant nursery that sells indoor plants. Care for Holly bush Once Holly shrubs are established, it is easy to look after. One male plant will be sufficient to pollinate up to 20 females. 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. If you want to trim the plant or maintain a desired shape, prune the plant in late winter or early spring. Holly requires some sun. Read on for the whole scoop. Whether you want the more common Nellie Stevens or American Holly, these shrubs are the perfect options for quality greenery. Can you grow holly indoors? For the most part, holly will take care of itself, as long as it's placed to receive the best sunlight and you have regular rainfall. Will Pansies Survive 20 Degree Temps In NE? These plants are already used to growing indoors so will be right at home in your house. Don’t let it dry out or get soggy. When growing holly indoors though, it’s best not to try to propagate holly from seeds, since these can prove difficult to germinate. span of bare ground around the trunk. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with or slightly higher than the surrounding soil. Plant your holly tree during early fall before the soil freezes. The relatively low temperatures combined with higher rainfall will make settling into the new location much less stressful for the holly bush. If pruning for hedges, late spring is a good time for trimming holly bushes. Synonymous with the Christmas season, the holly bush joins the ‘Christmas’ tree, mistletoe, and of course, the tropical poinsettia. Once you have your holly houseplant, you’ll need to learn about indoor holly care. Sorting out the hundreds of varieties and hyb… The New Sunset Western Garden Book; Kathleen Norris Brenzel, ed. Mulch mounded against the trunk can cause rot, and may also encourage rodents and other animals to chew on the bark. The plant requires well-drained soil and prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0. After the first year, holly benefits from watering during dry summer weather, whenever natural rainfall is less than 1 inch per week. Cut back overgrown branches to within 1/4 inch of a leaf or bud. Leaf shapes range from the large, spiny leaves of holiday tradition, to tiny, smoother ones that are often mistaken for boxwood. Care Water a newly planted holly as needed to keep the soil lightly moist. Click on links below to jump to that question. Though it's generally a low-maintenance shrub, you will need to prune your plant in order to keep its size under control and to promote the growth of lateral buds and shoots. Mulch also enriches the soil as it decomposes. However, some varieties, such as Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) are suitable for USDA zones 7 through 11. Very little maintenance is needed. … Top Questions About Pansy Flowers. An easy to grow shrub reaching 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. Share: Castle Spire® Blue Holly. Photo by Proven Winners. Leaves On Pansies Turning Yellow - How can I prevent this from happening and what is the cause? It can take many years for a seeding to sprout. The shiny green leaves and bright red berries of holly (Ilex spp.) Spread 2 to 3 inches of natural mulch such as shredded bark around the plant to conserve moisture and keep weeds in check. The best time for planting holly shrubs is fall. However, you aren’t likely to get those festive berries. The Tree Center regularly offers a number of different products available at even lower prices than usual.All of these products are just as healthy as the rest of our inventory, but we happen to have an excess of these plants, and make them available to our customers at a discounted price. Once you have your holly houseplant, you’ll need to learn about indoor holly care. Holly (Ilex) is a family of low-maintenance evergreen and deciduous plants that range from 12-inch shrubs to trees measuring up to 50 feet. M.H. American Holly. Fertilize once a year. According to horticulturalists at the Florida Extension Service, Environmental Horticulture Department, bees carry pollen to a distance of 1 1/2 to 2 miles. Provides a lush green background for flowering plants. Holly plants thrive in moist, well draining soil. create your own holly plant from seeds or cuttings, Holly Shrubs For Zone 5: Growing Holly Plants In Zone 5, Reasons Why A Holly Bush Doesn't Have Berries, How To Tell The Difference Between A Male And Female Holly Bush, Wintercreeper Control – How To Get Rid Of Wintercreeper Plants, Getting Rid Of Chinese Privet: How To Kill Chinese Privet Shrubs, Upright Boxwood Plants – Growing Fastigiata Boxwood Bushes, Living Wall Kit Info – How To Grow A Living Wall Kit, Natural Christmas Decorations: Homemade Garden Christmas Crafts, Fern In A Hanging Container: Care Of Ferns In Hanging Baskets, DIY Felt Vegetables: Handmade Felt Vegetable Ideas For Christmas, Evergreen Favorite: Container Grown Olive Trees, Evergreens In My Heart – Three Must Have Evergreen Trees, Decisions, Decisions: Choosing An Evergreen In The Landscape, Spruce Trees For Landscaping - Spruce It Up With Evergreens. Whether you're a budding gardener or veteran floriculturist, there's no shame in wanting to take the easy way out with your backyard foliage.That's where these low-maintenance shrubs and bushes come in. You may be able to find English holly (Ilex aquifolium), a popular plant in Europe. Pruning should be done in early spring before any new growth begins. Weed often, … In fact, rapid temperature Hollies are known more for their berries than their small white flowers. Popular varieties include American holly, Japanese holly and Chinese holly, but all types have similar care requirements. Allow at least 5 feet between smaller varieties and up to 25 feet for large, tree-type varieties. They may need regular watering during prolonged dry periods in summer, especially when young and establishing in the soil. That’s why your best bet is purchasing a plant already with berries. You can find plants at a greenhouse or plant nursery that are used to indoor heating, obtain a cutting and try to root it in water. These smaller shrubs can also be used as hedges and foundation plantings, and there is a dwarf holly for all areas of Florida. Dahoon holly (Ilex cassine) has a spread of 8 to 12 feet, and is able to reach heights of 40 feet tall, although it is more often seen at heights between 20 and 30 feet tall.The dark evergreen leaves are 2 to 3 inches long and smooth, supple, and shiny, with a few serrations near the tip. Water a newly planted holly as needed to keep the soil lightly moist. Holly plants are either male or female and you’ll need both to get berries, plus pollinator insects. Spring is also suitable depending on your region. We know a lot about decking the halls with holly, but how about holly as a houseplant? Water thoroughly to saturate the roots. Not only do they form better plants on the own, compared to the males, but there is a chance that there is a nearby male plant. Space the plants two to three feet apart, depending on the variety used and overall size. However, don't allow the soil to become waterlogged, as soggy soil can rot the roots. Drainage holes and high-quality potting mix will provide an ideal beginning for this holly. How to Identify the Difference Between Male & Female Holly Bushes, North Carolina State University Extension: Hollies in the Landscape, University of Illinois Extension: How to Lower Soil pH, Los Angeles Times: Growing Holly Makes Holidays Jolly. If so, what do I need to know?… Q. (We know, not everyone has the time or talents to maintain a flourishing flower bed year-round.) Holly benefits from a 2- inch layer of mulch, which moderates soil temperature, conserves moisture and controls weeds. Holly as a houseplant is an intriguing idea, especially around the holidays. For smaller spaces and even containers, consider a dwarf holly. Yaupon holly (I. vomitoria) is also best left unpruned; however, trimming holly bushes like these can be done when absolutely necessary to maintain appearance. Holly is valued primarily for its glossy foliage and colorful berries. The best time for planting holly bushes is in either the spring or fall. A female holly produces fruit only when it is pollinated by a bee, which carries the pollen from a nearby male plant. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing. Wait until dormancy for heavy pruning or simply trim as needed for shape. Yet, cold temperatures aren’t the only factor. You can plant the shrubs in almost any garden location since they tolerate full … Although holly can be planted any time of year, spring or autumn planting is optimal. Holly seeds are difficult to germinate, so cuttings are used to start plants. Japanese hollies can also be pruned as needed in midsummer or late winter. Holly is a popular and decorative garden plant which ranges in size from 2 to 40 feet (.6 to 12.1 m). These shrubs like well-drained soil with a pH that is acidic. Warm spells in late winter can also injure plants. Q. Pansies - Can I grow a pansy inside the house during the winter months? However, if soil is poor or growth is poor, feed the plant in spring and autumn, using a fertilizer formulated for evergreens and other acid-loving plants. Holly performs best in partial shade, although most types tolerate full sunlight. Feed with a general granular plant food in spring and cover the soil with a thick mulch. Once planted and properly established, hollies need very little care and attention. Caring for your holly bush: Water daily for the first week after you plant your holly bush, then twice a week afterward until they are established. Holly requires some sun. The shrubs prefer slightly acidic soil and will develop iron deficiency if the soil pH is too high. After that, the bush should receive at least 2 inches of water per week. Also called by their scientific name “ilex opaca,” American Holly is native to south … Take extra care to maintain a moist, not soggy, environment in containers. The best location for planting holly bushes is in well-drained but not dry, slightly acidic soil in full sun. How about a cutting? The best placement for growing holly indoors is in a sunporch or a room with a sunny bay window. Rich and glossy forest-green foliage, along with vibrant red berries on some varieties, make Holly Shrubs the perfect option for a stylish ornamental during the winter. In drought conditions, or areas where you're only seeing less than 1 inch of rain per week, you may need to occasionally water your tree, but be mindful not to overdo it. Don’t let it dry out or get soggy. However, don't allow the soil to become waterlogged, as soggy soil can rot the roots. Winterizing holly begins with suitable care. The easiest and fastest way to accomplish this is to purchase a potted plant at the garden store. Winter is a time when many gardeners resign themselves to a landscape that will be a bit dreary until next spring, spending their time planning next year's garden. Growing zones vary depending on species. And now might be a … Broad-leaved evergreens, such as hollies or rhododendrons, are particularly susceptible to damage. The rest of the year, just treat it like a houseplant. To determine your soil pH, use a soil testing kit available at most garden centers. Under normal circumstances, this bush does not require water, but if your area is drier or warmer, then you need at least 2 inches of water per week. The browned leaves and dead branches are the result of winter injury, likely sustained during the very cold temperatures we had back in January. Warmer climates benefit from fall planting, so the plant roots will have a lot of time before the onset of hot, dry summers. Plants on Sale at The Tree Center. If you are a DIY type, you may prefer to create your own holly plant from seeds or cuttings. Make sure to follow the directions on the package for the type of fertilizer being used so as not to over-fertilize your holly plant. Holly – Pruning, Winter Care and Fertilizing This plant can be sheared to a particular shape, but can also be hand pruned for a less formal look. Keep the soil just moist. Otherwise, healthy soil generally requires no fertilizer or other soil amendments. The following tips will help: Surround the holly with a thick layer of mulch extending out to the drip line, but leave a 2- to 3-inch (5-8 cm.) Because holly shrubs tend to have shallow root systems, add mulch. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. 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