- Fertilizing Basics. Fertilizing holly bushes in March and September encourages rapid, healthy growth. Feeding them in late autumn specifically gives them a kick-start for the next year's growing season.
- Types of Fertilizers. Since hollies prefer slightly acidic soil, acid-based fertilizers are smart choices when it's time to feed your shrubs.
- Organic Matter. Holly bushes appreciate a layer of compost on the soil above the root zone. This adds nutrients to the soil just like a traditional fertilizer would.
- For Nutrient Deficiencies. Sometimes soil lacks nutrients that holly bushes need to thrive. ...
What do you feed holly bushes in the fall?
One of the keys to keeping holly bushes healthy is feeding them a fertilizer that promotes growth, flowering and berry production. Fertilizing holly bushes in March and September encourages rapid, healthy growth. Feeding them in late autumn specifically gives them a kick-start for the next year's growing season.
Do holly bushes need fertilizer or compost?
You may wish to experiment before reaching your own verdict, though you might be heartened to know that compost also slowly releases its nutrients into the soil. Bonnie Plants notes that fertilizer feeds a plant while compost feeds the soil. Since water nourishes both, it’s smart to put your holly bush on a regular watering schedule.
How do you take care of a newly planted holly?
Make sure that your newly planted holly bush is watered daily for the first week, twice a week for a month after that and, if planting in spring, once a week for the remainder of summer. The care of holly bushes after they are established is easy. Fertilize your holly bushes once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
What is eating my holly leaves?
Holly leaf miner is a small fly with larvae that causes patches and blotches by feeding inside holly leaves. It doesn’t harm the plant overall, but looks unsightly. The best method of treatment is removing the affected leaves by hand and destroying them.
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Is Miracle Gro good for holly bushes?
Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Miracid® Acid-Loving Plant Food is great for use on Azaleas, Camellias, Gardenias, Hibiscus, Holly, Hydrangeas, Orchids, and many others.
When should I feed my holly tree?
Holly bushes thrive in slightly acidic soils that contain high amounts of organic matter. Applying fertilizer to the holly is best done in early spring or late fall after a hard freeze.
Do holly plants like coffee grounds?
It is well known that holly plants love acidic soil. Sprinkle coffee grounds around the base of Holly Shrubs and Holly Trees for dense foliage growth and improved berry production.
What is the best compost for holly trees?
You can purchase bagged compost at gardening centers, but many gardeners report that a homemade mix is the best compost for holly trees (as well as for their other plants). The manure is fully decomposed livestock waste, often mixed with wood shavings or sawdust, the University of New Hampshire Extension says.
How do you encourage holly to grow?
Cultivation. Most hollies prefer a site that receives full sun, or is lightly shaded. They need a moist, but well-drained soil, enriched with lots of organic matter. They will grow in most soils types, but don't like gardens on solid chalk.
How do you increase holly growth?
The best way to encourage a holly to grow is to keep it pruned and healthy. It's all a good idea to add fertilizer to the bush's soil every growing season and test it for potential nutrient depletion. Lastly, it helps ensure that the soil stays moist and well-draining--testing it at least every three months is best.
Is Epsom salt good for holly bushes?
According to the Epsom Salt Council, Epsom salt increases the production of chlorophyll and helps plants grow bushier.
How do I get more berries on my holly bush?
Holly berries will only grow on two-year-old growth. If you prune the holly bush back severely, you will cut this growth off. Also, if you prune in the summer or fall, rather than in the winter or early spring, you may also be cutting off the stems that would produce berries next year.
Why are the leaves on my holly turning yellow?
Yellow leaves on holly trees is a fairly common problem for gardeners. On a holly, yellow leaves typically indicates an iron deficiency, also known as iron chlorosis. When a holly plant does not get enough iron, the plant cannot produce chlorophyll and you get yellow leaves on your holly bush.
How do you feed holly?
Fertilizing Holly Bushes Compost or well-rotted livestock manure makes excellent (and often free) slow-release fertilizers that continue to feed the plant throughout the season. A complete fertilizer that contains eight to ten percent nitrogen is another good choice.
How often should holly be watered?
Water daily for the first week after you plant your holly bush, then twice a week afterward until they are established. After that, the bush should receive at least 2 inches of water per week. Fertilize once a year. Weed often, and prune regularly so that the holly doesn't choke itself out.
How do you save a dying holly bush?
Although it may drop its damaged leaves, it will flush new ones in the spring. If you do have sections of dead branches, you should prune them out. Hollies are very tolerant of being pruned and will often re-sprout even if they are cut to the ground.
How do you take care of a holly tree?
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. After that, the bush should receive at least 2 inches of water per week. Fertilize once a year. Weed often, and prune regularly so that the holly doesn't choke itself out.
How do you thicken a holly tree?
One trick I've found to "densen up" hollies is shearing. Hollies are good at pushing out new leaf buds even when you cut back into bare wood. The cuts often stimulate new growth from multiple buds, giving the plant a fuller habit as the new leaves grow.
Why are the leaves on my holly tree turning yellow?
Yellow leaves on holly trees is a fairly common problem for gardeners. On a holly, yellow leaves typically indicates an iron deficiency, also known as iron chlorosis. When a holly plant does not get enough iron, the plant cannot produce chlorophyll and you get yellow leaves on your holly bush.
How do I get more berries on my holly bush?
Holly berries will only grow on two-year-old growth. If you prune the holly bush back severely, you will cut this growth off. Also, if you prune in the summer or fall, rather than in the winter or early spring, you may also be cutting off the stems that would produce berries next year.
How do I keep holly trees healthy in the winter?
To conserve moisture throughout the growing season and suppress weed growth, I also always apply a 1 to 2" layer of shredded or chipped wood mulch or pine straw around holly trees in late winter. As the mulch decomposes it will add vital nutrients to the soil that your trees will appreciate.
What is the pH of a Holly tree?
Any measurement below 7 indicates acid soil conditions, and anything above 7 indicates alkaline. Holly trees prefer an acid to neutral soil ranging from 5.0 to 7.0 on the pH scale. Once you know the soil pH, if necessary, you can adjust it to meet the needs of your tree. Testing Soil pH.
How deep do holly trees grow?
The root system of a holly tree might grow 2 feet deep but the majority of the feeder roots responsible for absorbing nutrients are in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil. Spreading fertilizer on the soil surface is sufficient to reach these feeder roots.
How to keep a plant from drying out?
At planting time. Water deeply at planting time, making sure the soil around the root ball and the root ball itself is moist all the way down to its base. Then, each day thereafter, check the soil moisture and only provide water if the soil has dried out somewhat or is just lightly damp. After several days of checking soil moisture you should ...
Do holly trees need water?
During the cooler winter months holly trees won't require as much attention to watering. Provide water only if necessary to keep the soil damp. At planting time. When planted during the winter, deep soak the soil and the root ball after planting.
Do you have to water a Holly tree?
However, in average garden soil you should not have to water your newly planted holly tree every day. More often than not, this causes constantly wet soil conditions that can lead to root rot. In the absence of sufficient rainfall water only as needed to keep the root ball and surrounding soil damp to moist.
Is it better to soak Holly trees?
Keep in mind that deep soaking less frequently is much better than splashing just a little water around the tree every day. Deep soaking promotes deep root growth and can reduce water loss by evaporation. Thereafter. When established, Holly trees are quite drought tolerant.
How much water does a Holly bush need?
If you prefer to do things the old-fashioned (but completely reliable) way and measure water amounts, a holly bush needs at least 2 inches of water per week, reports HGTV. Between fertilizer and water, there is no guarantee that your holly bush will grow to 80 feet tall, but it almost surely will grow on you.
What is the best compost for holly trees?
You can purchase bagged compost at gardening centers, but many gardeners report that a homemade mix is the best compost for holly trees (as well as for their other plants). The manure is fully decomposed livestock waste, often mixed with wood shavings or sawdust, the University of New Hampshire Extension says.
How to identify the root zone of a holly bush?
A simple tactic should help you identify the root zone: Find the longest branch, gently pull it toward you and then encircle the holly bush with it in your hand. The diameter represents the root zone, and it’s where you should apply the fertilizer.
How many species of holly are there?
It often comes down to fertilizer. The holly genus includes about 500 species, and while you don’t have nearly as many choices when it comes to fertilizer, you may enjoy mulling your options.
How tall is a holly plant?
No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. That really was a potted holly plant you saw, standing all of 3 feet tall. But that English holly (Ilex aquifolium) that you’re eyeing for your backyard is about 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide, though you’ve heard it can stretch to 80 feet tall and 25 feet wide. The difference?
Do holly plants need water?
Since water nourishes both, it’s smart to put your holly bush on a regular watering schedule. If you’re not sure how, Wil son Brothers Gardens recommends soaking the holly bush thoroughly.
Do you have to soak holly bush after fertilizing?
Read the directions on the fertilizer label, though in all likelihood, you will have to give the holly bush a slow and deep soak afterward. You may notice that some fertilizers are marked “slow release” – a favored quality among many gardening experts.
4. How Do I Fertilize Holly?
If you want to fertilize holly there are several important tips you should follow:
5. When Should I Fertilize Holly?
When you should fertilize holly depends on the holly you grow (annual or perennial), when the holly blooms, and the fertilizer you use.
6. How Often Should I Fertilize My Holly?
How often you should fertilize your holly depends on the fertilizer and soil.
7. How Do I Know if My Holly Need Fertilizer?
You will know if your holly need fertilizer if you observe one of the following:
8. What Alternatives to Fertilizers Can I Apply to Holly?
If you do not want to use retail or commercial flower fertilizers then you can use the below alternatives. These alternatives will not only help your plant but the soil around it:
What are hollies in the garden?
By Ashley Mackenzie. Hollies (Ilex spp.) are low-maintenance shrubs, often showcasing rich green leaves and red berries. They come in prickly leafed evergreen varieties and deciduous types with rounder leaves. As dioecious plants, they have male and female flowers on different shrubs, though sometimes bees can carry pollen for long distances, ...
Why are my holly leaves yellowing?
If your holly sh rubs exhibit symptoms of nutrient deficiencies -- specifically yellowing leaves that nitrogen doesn't fix -- you can perform a soil test to determine which nutrients your soil lacks. Garden supply stores often sell home soil test kits if you don't want to pay for a professional analysis.
What is a holly sapling?
Our Holly Sapling is an Ilex aquifolium variety - native to the British Isles, our little holly tree makes a wonderful Christmas gift. The leaves are the deep, glossy green that gives holly its well-known reputation.
Why are my holly leaves turning yellow?
The 2 main causes of yellowing leaves on holly trees are either waterlogged soil or an iron deficiency. If the soil is very wet then this may indicate that you are over watering or the soil needs its drainage improving. There are a couple of ways to improve the drainage of the soil, just follow the tips below.
How tall do holly trees grow?
Due to the slow-growing nature of holly trees, this makes them perfect for planting in a pot. However, be wary that holly can grow up to 12m (40ft) in height so it might be best to go for a dwarfing holly variety if you do want to keep it in a container.
How to get rid of a tree in a pot?
Hold the tree by the base of the main stem, loosen the soil around the edges of the pot and remove the tree. Add some extra soil into the bottom of the new pot before you insert the plant. We recommend John Innes number 3. 10-20% of horticultural grit or perlite can be added to improve drainage.
How to check moisture level of potted plants?
To check the moisture levels, feel the first couple of inches of topsoil. If it is dry to the touch then give the pot a good water. Mulching the area around the base of trees that are both planted and in pots will help keep the moisture locked in the soil for longer.
When do holly berries bloom?
The small clusters of white flowers bloom from early spring to summer. These can transform into the infamous, vibrant red holly berries that will litter the branches in autumn and keep a pop of colour in the garden through the bleakest winters reminding us that Christmas is only round the corner. Our Holly Tree Care Guide aims to bring you all ...
Can holly trees survive the winter?
Your holly tree should be quite happy to fend through the winter without much protection. Just make sure that it’s not too exposed and protect it from any strong winds that could tear or puncture the leaves when they are blown together.
What do holly bushes do in the winter?
Growing holly bushes in your yard can add structure and a splash of color in the winter and a lush, green backdrop for other flowers in the summer. Because they are such popular plants, many people have questions about the care of holly bushes.
Do holly plants grow in shade?
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 are growing a holly bush for its bright berries, you need to keep in mind that most holly varieties have male and female plants and that only the female holly shrub produces berries.
Do holly bushes need a male plant?
Instead, you can also try to find holly varieties that do not need a male plant in order to produce holly berries. The initial care of holly bushes after they are planted is much like other trees and shrubs.
Do you need a male or female holly plant to grow berries?
This means that in the location where you would like to plant a holly bush with berries, you will need to plant a female variety and you will also need to make sure that a male variety is planted nearby. Instead, you can also try to find holly varieties that do not need a male plant in order to produce holly berries.
How to keep holly bush from berry production?
Apply nitrogen rich, acid based fertilizer around the holly bush. If too much nitrogen fertilizer is added to the plant it may inhibit flower growth, and thus will reduce berry production. Add an acid based fertilizer each late fall, after a hard freeze, to the holly bush.
Why are my holly leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing leaves or lack of the telltale red berries may come from a number of reasons, one of which is poor fertilization. Applying fertilizer to the holly is best done in early spring or late fall after a hard freeze. Improper pH levels may be a cause for yellowing leaves as well.
Does nitrogen kill yellow leaves?
The extra nitrogen though may eliminate the yellow leaves. If no soil test was conducted, follow the label directions on the fertilizer package for broadleaf evergreen shrubs and plants. Various strengths and types of fertilizers will have different application rates.
What plants can you feed with holly tone?
It can be used for any acid-loving plants, such as blueberries, camellias, rhododendrons, evergreens, hydrangeas and more . It’s important to fertilize your plants twice a year – in early spring and late fall.
How to apply Holly Tone?
How to Apply Holly-tone:#N#Before fertilizing acid-loving trees, shrubs and plants, be sure to take a look at the back of the bag. It lays out instructions for each type of plant to give it the best chance to grow
Can you fertilize boxwoods with Espoma?
Note: Arborvitae and boxwoods are not acid-loving evergreens, so use Espoma’s Organic Plant-tone instead. Rhododendron. Shrubs: Shrubs are a bit easier to fertilize than trees, since there is no digging required. Similar to trees, the amount of fertilizer used is based on how big the shrub is.
When do hollies produce berries?
Hollies are slow-growing plants that are easy to care for. If you want Christmas berries, these are produced on female plants in late autumn to mid-winter. To get them, you need both a male and female plant to ensure cross-pollination, so always plant two. You can recognise male and female hollies from their flowers – the male flowers have more ...
What causes holly leaves to blight?
However, they can be affected by holly leaf blight. This is a fungal infection of the leaves, caused by Phytophthora ilicis, which causes discoloration to leaves and stems and loss of foliage. It requires cool, damp conditions to flourish and is believed to have come from North America.
What is the color of holly?
Holly, Ilex aquifolium, typically has dark green, spiny leaves and bright red berries. However, there are many different varieties of holly with different coloured laves and berries – more than 400 from around the world. The holly ( Ilex) genus ranges from small shrubs to large climbers, with diverse leaf shapes, ...
What causes blotchy leaves on holly?
Holly leaf miner is a small fly with larvae that causes patches and blotches by feeding inside holly leaves. It doesn’t harm the plant overall, but looks unsightly.
What is the name of the male holly with silver leaves?
Ilex aquifolium ‘Silver Queen’ – a male holly, with distinctive silver margins on its spiny and glossy green leaves. The stems and young foliage are purple. Ilex x altaclerensis ‘Belgica Aurea’ – leaves are dark green with a yellow edge, about 10cm in length.