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Planting Holly
Holly grows best in full sun. While it will tolerate some shade, a tree located in shade may be less compact and produce fewer berries. It is also vulnerable to leaf spot diseases if planted in shady, humid locations. A well-drained loamy soil that is fairly light, sandy, and acidic to neutral (pH 5.8 to 7.0) is ideal for most Holly. Soils having higher pH (alkaline) cause poor growth and induce chlorosis (loss of green leaf color).
Plant male and female Hollies within 300 feet of each other, and in a ratio of 1 male to 3 female plants to ensure a good crop of berries.
Caring For Holly
Spring Spread a 2 to 4 inch layer of some attractive organic material like chopped leaves, pine needles, or wood chips on the soil under each Holly tree.
Summer Holly normally does not need supplemental watering except when it's first planted, in time of drought, or in late fall before the ground freezes for the winter. Even well established trees will need watering during severe drought.
Winter Winter Protection - Severe winter conditions, and sometimes soil deficiencies, may cause physiological problems such as sunscald and purple spot on the leaves of evergreen Hollies. Winds blowing the spiny leaves together cause punctures in Holly foliage. Spray Holly leaves with anti-transpirant spray to protect their surfaces from harsh winter sun and wind. Consider erecting a wind barrier of burlap or similar material around Holly trees and shrubs that are exposed to prevailing winter winds. Never wrap a tree or shrub with plastic. Spread winter mulch on the soil over the roots after the ground freezes.
Fall Fertilizing - Hollies are sensitive to over fertilization. They need only one application each year of a slow-release granular fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants. In the fall sprinkle this fertilizer on the soil under the tree out to 1-1/2 feet beyond the branch tips (drip line). About 1/2 pound of fertilizer is sufficient for Hollies with a trunk diameter of 1/2 inch at the base. For larger ones, use 1 to 2 pounds for each inch of trunk diameter.
