How Do You Plant Yaupon Holly Bushes?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Plant yaupon holly in a location

with plenty of sun

. Although it tolerates afternoon shade, you'll get more, and better, berries in full sun. Keep the soil around the shrub moist until it becomes established. Don't amend the soil or fertilize yaupon hollies at time unless the soil is very poor.

When can you plant a yaupon holly?

The dwarf yaupon holly is a hardy plant that may be planted any time of year. However, planting the dwarf yaupon holly in

early spring

, after the threat of all winter frost has passed, will give the shrub ample time to become established before dry periods in summer and before possible frosts in late fall and winter.

Where is the best place to plant holly bushes?

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.

Does yaupon holly need full sun?

Dwarf Yaupon Holly Care

Plant in

full sun to part shade

. It will thrive best in moist soils that are well drained. It does require more acidic soils but is not picky about type. Mulching around its base in cooler climates will protect its roots through winter.

Where does yaupon grow best?

Best suited for

USDA hardiness zones 7a-9b

, yaupon hollies should be planted in a spot where they'll receive full or partial sun. They are both drought and salt tolerant, meaning this plant can find a home in a variety of landscapes. Remember to purchase a female holly if you want a plant that produces berries.

Is yaupon holly fast growing?


The native species is somewhat too fast-growing for landscape use

, so most of the varieties planted are slower-growing cultivars, including: ‘Folsom Weeping': a weeping cultivar that grows 15 to 20 feet high with a spread of 10 to 15 feet.

Can yaupon holly grow in shade?

Plant yaupon holly in winter to early spring in a slightly acidic, well-prepared soil with good drainage. Full sun improves berry production and color. However, the shrub

grows well in partial shade

. … Yaupon holly is drought tolerant.

Do holly bushes have invasive roots?

The root system is a taproot. This means holly bushes have one large root that grows straight down and then smaller, less hearty roots that spread out. … This type of root

system can be invasive

. The holly bush is a bit complex, but it is very possible to have a good planting experience.

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

. … There are also a few rare varieties of holly that do not have berries on either the male or female shrubs.

What can I plant next to holly bushes?

A few common holly companions for planting next to the shrubs include

boxwood, viburnum, clematis, hydrangea, and rhododendrons

.

How long does a yaupon holly live?

Yaupon holly routinely reaches ages of

30, 50 and even 75 years

! During this time, if left unpruned, a dwarf yaupon holly shrub will keep growing at a rate of about 3 to 5 inches in width every year (7.5 to 12.5 cm), slightly less in height.

Is yaupon holly poisonous?


Although not considered very poisonous

, the attractive red or black berries should be considered dangerous to small children [and animals].” Symptoms listed are “nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stupor due to depression of the central nervous system.” They also note, “These are the hollies used extensively as Christmas …

How tall does a yaupon holly get?

This upright, spreading small evergreen tree or large shrub, capable of reaching

15 to 25 feet in height

with a similar spread, has small, grey-green, leathery leaves densely arranged along smooth, stiff, light grey branches (Fig. 1). Plants in the landscape require about 10-years to develop a distinct vase-shape.

Do birds eat yaupon holly berries?

Yaupon Holly

Birds love the winter berries on

female plants

. In the spring, a yaupon produces tiny white flowers. Seven species of birds, including mockingbirds, cedar waxwings and robins, feed on yaupon berries.

Can I grow yaupon?

Plant yaupon holly in a location with

plenty of sun

. Although it tolerates afternoon shade, you'll get more, and better, berries in full sun. Keep the soil around the shrub moist until it becomes established. Don't amend the soil or fertilize yaupon hollies at planting time unless the soil is very poor.

How do you shape a yaupon?


Trim

each branch individually to achieve the perfect round shape. Cut at a downward angle about one-quarter inch out from a leaf so the stub isn't noticeable. Refer to the round object when needed to guide your cuts. Use electric or manual hedge shears instead of pruning individual branches, if desired.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.