How do you grow a standard holly tree?

Set your holly tree in the planting hole so that the top edge of the root ball is at or just slightly above ground level to allow for settling. If necessary, add some backfill soil mixture to the bottom of the hole to achieve proper planting height.

Likewise, people ask, where is the best place to plant a holly tree?

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.

Subsequently, question is, how do you take care of a holly tree? Hollies like:

Light: Holly plants to best in full sun.
Soil: Well drained loamy soil that is slightly acidic.
Water: Hollies like a moderate amount of water, usually adequately provided by rainfall.
Mulch: Several inches of mulch to prevent freeze-thaw damage to the shallow roots.

Consequently, how quickly do holly trees grow?

Holly are relatively slow growing and they will put on around 6-9 inches of growth each year if left untrimmed and can take a while to fill out into a dense hedge.

How tall does a holly tree get?

Some holly bushes grow to about 6 feet tall, while others can reach 50 feet and higher! Make sure you choose a plant that's the right size for your landscape — and that will thrive in your climate. The quintessential Christmas variety, for example, is English holly, which grows best in Zone 6.

29 Related Question Answers Found

How deep do holly tree roots grow?

Keep the roots of larger plants intact in a ball of soil, and covered with burlap to retain moisture and provide protection. Pruning the lateral roots of small holly trees to a depth of 2 to 4 feet in the year prior to transplanting encourages healthy new growth of these roots to sustain the plant in its new location.

What can I plant next to Holly?

A few common holly companions for planting next to the shrubs include boxwood, viburnum, clematis, hydrangea, and rhododendrons.

Is Holly a tree or a bush?

Ilex /ˈa?l?ks/, or holly, is a genus of about 480 species of flowering plants in the family Aquifoliaceae, and the only living genus in that family. The species are evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs, and climbers from tropics to temperate zones worldwide.

How long do holly bushes live?

100 years

Why are the leaves on my holly bush turning yellow?

Iron deficiency and a yellow holly leaves can be caused by many things. Similarly, poor drainage also causes iron chlorosis in hollies, because the excess standing water also suffocates the roots. Another cause of yellow leaves on holly trees is soil that has a pH that is too high.

When should holly trees be pruned?

Timing is an important factor when pruning hollies. Whenever you prune your plants, they typically send out new growth, which is susceptible to sudden drops in temperature and frost. For evergreen hollies, it's best to prune in early summer so that this new growth won't be damaged by cool temperatures.

Are holly berries poisonous to birds?

Holly is a great decoration for holiday festivities, but its leaves and berries are poisonous to birds. Because the berries might look like a tasty snack for many birds, opt for synthetic holly in your holiday decorations to keep your pet healthy and safe.

What are the fastest growing trees for privacy?

What are the fastest-growing trees for privacy? Hybrid poplar tops the list. It can grow upwards of five feet per year. The Leyland cypress, green giant arborvitae, and silver maple are all close seconds because they add about two feet to their height each year.

What is the fastest growing holly?

Nellie Stevens Hollies are fast-growing, developing up to 3 feet of new growth a year. Nellie Stevens Hollies are relatively hardy and strong. These privacy screen or accent trees require a sunny location with some access to shade.

Why are some holly leaves not spiky?

Scientists have discovered what makes holly prickly and what makes leaves smooth. Researchers found leaves are much more prickly lower down the tree where herbivores can reach, suggesting the spines have evolved to protect the species.

How often do holly trees bloom?

Bloom Time. Like many other flowering plants, hollies bloom in the springtime, then produce fruits in the fall. Depending on your area and microclimate, hollies may bloom any time between early spring and the very beginning of summer, though in warm areas they will bloom sooner.

Is Holly a hard or soft wood?

Holly. Holly timber is a very hard dense fine grained hardwood, and the whitest of all timber species.

Is Holly Wood poisonous?

The tree has leaves, so it is a hardwood, but the leaves stay on for three years, which make it an evergreen. The red holly berries are mildly toxic to people when ingested and will cause vomiting and/or diarrhea. (The sap is also harmful to humans.) Incidentally, only the female holly tree has berries.

Can you grow Holly in pots?

Holly trees growing in pots appreciate a moist, but well-drained soil. Optionally, you can also add 10 to 20% some pumice or perlite to the soil mixture to help with drainage. Choose a container that is large enough to allow for 2 to 3 years of growth before shifting up to a larger size container.

Is a holly tree protected?

The tree once sacred to the Celts is in danger of becoming extinct as it is no longer protected under the Brehon laws. The threat to the holly has increased in recent years, when instead of losing a few sprigs the tree is severely stripped and in most cases cut down. It is an offence to cut down trees by the roadside.

What is the best fertilizer for holly trees?

Choosing a Fertilizer

The ideal soil pH for holly is between 5.0 and 6.0. Use dolomitic limestone to raise the soil's pH and elemental sulfur to lower it. The best fertilizer for the holly bush is acid-based, such as 4-6-4 or 4-3-4.

When should I feed my holly tree?

When to Feed Holly Shrubs

The optimum times for holly fertilization are spring and fall. Fertilize in spring just as the shrubs begin to put on new growth. Wait until growth stops for fall fertilization.