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 much water do holly bushes need?
The care of holly bushes after they are established is easy. 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
.
Why are my holly bushes dying?
Most diseases of holly can be attributed to fungus. The two most prevalent fungal holly tree diseases are tar spot and
cankers
. … Canker – Cankers, another holly tree disease, produce sunken areas on the stems, which eventually die out. Pruning out infected branches is usually necessary in order to save the plant.
Why are my holly bushes leaves turning brown?
Large brown splotches on the leaves, especially around the edges, can be a sign that your holly
plant has sustained weather damage
, such as a sudden cold snap or a prolonged dry period. If rainfall drops below 1 inch per week, water your holly to ensure the roots are receiving enough moisture.
How do you keep holly alive?
Plant Expert Reply:
The key to keeping it vibrant is to create an environment as close to nature as possible. First,
keep it hydrated
. If possible, put it in water or at least mist the foliage every day. You can create wreaths and other holly arrangements with floral foam soaked in water.
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.
Can a holly tree get too much water?
A holly tree needs about two inches of water per week. … Making sure your holly tree gets the right amount of water is so very important to its growth. Giving
it too much water will rot out its roots and leaves
, and not giving it enough water will kill your holly tree.
How do you revive a holly plant?
A
light application of general purpose, slow-release fertilizer in spring just
after pruning will help support the shrub as it regenerates its lost growth. Be sure to use an acid-based fertilizer, since holly plants can suffer from yellow foliage in alkaline environments.
How do you rejuvenate holly bushes?
Prune away one-third of the oldest, longest stems of globe-shaped hollies in the early spring, just as new growth begins. Cut branches with loppers or a pruning saw depending on the diameter of each.
Repeat each year for three years
to renew growth and reduce height gradually to avoid a visual hole in the landscape.
How do you revive a dying bush?
Rotten Roots
Fast action is necessary to cure it.
Pull the soil away
from the base of the stems and upper roots. Place fresh soil over the roots after the stems and upper roots dry out. Water the shrub until the soil is wet to a depth of 1 to 2 feet, then allow the soil to dry before watering it again to prevent rot.
How do I know if my holly bush is dying?
Once the ground thaws and the shrub can absorb water through its roots, it may recover. One way to tell whether a branch is alive is to
gently scratch a small nick in the bark with your thumbnail
. If you see a green layer beneath the outer bark, the branch still is alive.
What is the best fertilizer for holly bushes?
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.
Can holly be hard pruned?
This is a drastic form of pruning used in an attempt to rejuvenate an old holly or to reduce the size of an overgrown holly that has outgrown the space it was intended to fill. Plants that require rejuvenation
can be hard pruned in late winter to almost any height
, even to a height of 6 to 12 inches above the ground.
How long will holly stay green?
Fresh greenery will last indoors for
about two weeks
; it will last longer outdoors in cold climates. Display greenery out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources; mist with water daily to help the cuttings last.
How long do holly berries last?
Holly berries remain on the tree from Autumn through Winter but are often eaten completely by birds and squirrels. If you are cutting Holly branches to use as Christmas decorations, then you can expect the berries to look presentable for
2-3 weeks
if you store them in the refrigerator.
Should you put holly in water?
Moisten holly on arrival.
Perhaps submerge it in water for a few minutes
. … For display, holly will last longer if treated as cut flowers: cut off tips of stems under water and keep in cool fresh water. If not to be displayed immediately, store in a plastic bag at cool temperatures above freezing point.
