- Plant holly in a location that will get six or more hours of direct sunlight each day. Hollies do well in soil that is well drained and acidic. If necessary, supplement the soil by mixing in organic matter and an acidic fertilizer. Space the plants far enough apart to allow for their size at maturity. Plant in a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and two to three times wider.
- Fertilize holly on an annual basis, at the beginning of the growing season. Do not fertilize late in the season since new growth may not have a chance to harden before weather turns cold. Use a fertilizer meant for acidic loving plants, like Holly-tone (4-6-4). Follow package directions for quantity based upon the size of your plant and work it into the top half-inch of soil, out to the trip line. Do not over-fertilize, which will inhibit flowering and the production of berries.
- Except when first planted, hollies usually do not need additional watering except in drought situations. During the first year, a newly planted holly should be watered at least once per week. The soil should be kept moist but not so wet that there is standing water. During the second year, water once or twice every two weeks to help establish the plant. Following that, water if there has been less than 1 inch of rainfall per week.
- Apply a fresh layer of mulch each spring to help with weed control and moisture retention. Spread it 2 inches deep around the plant, as far out as the outermost branch, but keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk. Work it into the top layer of the soil. Compost, along with shredded bark, makes a good mulch for hollies. Add some used coffee grounds through the season to help keep the soil acidic.
Site Selection and Planting
Fertilizing
Watering
Mulching
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