#Strongbox holly how to

This can cause even a moisture-loving plant to suffer from oversaturation, as water is likely to pool instead of draining away, limiting the roots’ intake of essential oxygen. Elevate the CrownĪ common mistake gardeners make when planting is to set the crown, or the point where the branches meet the roots, too deeply in the soil. You’ll read about one shortly, in the “Substitute for Boxwood” section, and you’ll be introduced to several others in the photo captions throughout the article.Īllowing suckers to remain in proximity to the main shrub may be detrimental to all in the form of crowding that causes reduced airflow and root space, competition for nourishment, and reduced sun exposure. You can reduce the risk of suckering by purchasing a cultivated variety, rather than a straight species. If they are uprooted with care, you may be able to transplant them. The species plant, as it appears in the wild, is prone to “suckering.” In addition, stressors like a lack of water or root damage from mowing equipment can make a plant more likely to sucker.Īs soon as you see sprouts growing under or near your shrub, pull them out and discard them, unless you want multiple hollies to grow. If they are not removed, you may end up with a “colony” of shrubs that sprouted from the first one. Suckers are shoots that grow randomly from a shrub, tree, or other woody plant’s roots. So, you may want to buy a female, give it a year or two, and if you don’t get fruit, seek out a male from a reputable nursery. The closer you plant a male and female, the greater the chance of pollination.Īlso, the primary pollinators of these plants are bees, so if you have an abundance of flowers, the odds of producing fruit are even greater.Īnd finally, since this is a native plant, it’s possible that a male may be growing near enough for pollinators to visit it and then come to your property. That’s a great question, and there’s not a definite answer. The logical question I’m sure you’re thinking is, “How far apart should I plant them?” However, only the female sets fruit, provided there is a male shrub in the vicinity to provide the pollen necessary for fertilization. This is a dioecious species, and both male and female plants produce flowers. Wait until growth stops for fall fertilization.I.

Fertilize in spring just as the shrubs begin to put on new growth. The optimum times for holly fertilization are spring and fall. Slow watering allows the fertilizer to sink into the soil rather than running off. Replace the mulch and water slowly and deeply after applying the fertilizer. Holly-tone recommends three cups per inch (1 L per 2.5 cm.) of trunk diameter for trees and one cup per inch (0.25 L per 2.5 cm.) of branch length for shrubs. When using Holly-tone or an azalea and camellia fertilizer, follow the directions on the container because formulations vary. Work the compost or manure into the top inch or two (2.5 or 5 cm.) of soil, taking care not to damage surface roots. The root zone extends about as far as the longest branch. If you are using a complete fertilizer with a nitrogen content of eight to ten percent, use one-half pound (0.25 kg.) of fertilizer for each half-inch (1 cm.) of trunk diameter.Īlternatively, spread three inches (7.5 cm.) of rich compost or two inches (5 cm.) of well-rotted livestock manure over the root zone. Pull back the mulch and apply the fertilizer directly to the soil around the holly. Holly-tone is a good example of this type of product. Some manufactures produce fertilizers designed specifically for hollies. Fertilizers formulated for broad-leaved evergreens (such as azaleas, rhododendrons, and camellias) work well for hollies, too. Holly bushes like soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0, and some fertilizers can acidify the soil while fertilizing holly bushes. For example, a fertilizer ratio of 10-20-20 contains 10 percent nitrogen. The first number of the three-number ratio on the fertilizer bag tells you the percentage of nitrogen. A complete fertilizer that contains eight to ten percent nitrogen is another good choice. Compost or well-rotted livestock manure makes excellent (and often free) slow-release fertilizers that continue to feed the plant throughout the season. Gardeners have lots of options when choosing a holly plant fertilizer.

#Strongbox holly how to

This article explains when and how to fertilize holly bushes. Fertilizing hollies regularly leads to plants with good color and even growth, and it helps the shrubs resist insects and disease.