Japanese holly care includes regular irrigation to keep the soil moist . It helps to spread a few inches (8 cm.) of organic mulch over the planting area to hold moisture in the soil. Japanese holly plants do best in zones 6 to 7 or 8, depending on the cultivar.
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 often should you water Japanese holly?
Supply the plants with water each week it does not rain through the first growing season. This encourages the development of deep roots. This holly bush needs 1 inch of water each week .
Why is my Japanese holly dying?
Damaged Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) roots infected with black root rot . Black Root Rot: Black root rot is caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis basicola. This fungus primarily affects the root system and reduces plant vigor. ... Plants with extensive root rot damage will usually decline and die during dry periods.
Do holly trees need a lot of water?
Growing Holly Bushes
Fertilize your holly bushes once a year with a balanced fertilizer. They do not need to be watered in normal conditions , but if your area is experiencing a drought, you should give your holly bushes at least 2 inches (5 cm.) of water per week.
How do I know if my holly is male or female?
The best way to determine the sex of holly plants is by examining the flowers, which are located between the leaf and branch joint. Although the small clusters of creamy white flowers are similar in appearance, males have more prominent stamens than females .
How do you bring a holly tree back to life?
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.
Does Japanese holly stay green all year?
Hetz's Japanese holly is an evergreen shrub, but it is a broadleaved, rather than a needled, evergreen. Its glossy, delicate leaves can make it a great choice if you are in the market for a bush with dense foliage that stays green year-round .
Is Japanese holly invasive?
This plant grows slowly, but can be invasive . Its dark green leaves are lustrous and the black fruit is hidden beneath them, so it is not obvious as in other hollies. Use Japanese holly in foundation plantings, hedges, beds and borders, or formal gardens.
Will holly grow back if cut down?
If hollies become overgrown and need to be drastically reduced in size, they are tolerant of being cut back severely . In fact, a mature holly can generally be cut to the ground and will regrow vigorously from its roots.
What kills Japanese holly?
Black root rot is the most serious disease that affects Japanese holly, according to Mary Ann Hansen, a plant pathologist at Virginia Tech University. The disease is caused by the fungus Thielaviopsis basicola and destroys the roots of the plant, causing the plant to eventually die.
How long do Japanese hollies live?
It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more . This is a female variety of the species which requires a male selection of the same species growing nearby in order to set fruit. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade.
What is killing my holly bushes?
Holly tree pests such as scale, mites, and holly leaf miner are the most commonly seen affecting hollies. ... Infested foliage should be destroyed and treatment with a foliar insecticide is often required for leaf miner control.
Are coffee grounds good for holly bushes?
Feed Your Acid-Loving Plants
Place coffee grounds around the soil of your acid-loving plants such as azaleas, hydrangeas, lilies, roses, rhododendrons, holly, gardenias and many others. Coffee grounds increase acidity and nutrients in the soil . This is our favorite reason to use coffee grounds in your garden.
What is the best fertilizer for holly trees?
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.
Is Miracle Grow good for holly trees?
Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Miracid® Acid- Loving Plant Food is great for use on Azaleas, Camellias, Gardenias, Hibiscus, Holly, Hydrangeas, Orchids, and many others.
