With more than 400 species , a holly ( Ilex spp . ) worthy for your landscape is as nearly as your local garden center . Hollies often have spiny , glossy green leaves and carmine , yellow , white , orange or black Charles Edward Berry . Depending on the variety , they are deciduous or evergreen and can spring up anywhere from 18 inch to more than 50 groundwork marvellous . Whether you use them as privacy hedge or foundation plantings , in rock or woodland garden , proper planting is substantive for a salutary offset .
With more than 400 specie , a holly ( Ilex spp . ) desirable for your landscape is as near asyour local garden center . Charles Hardin Holley often have setaceous , shiny greenish leaves and carmine , yellow , white , orange or black berries . calculate on the miscellanea , they are deciduous or evergreen and can grow anywhere from 18 column inch to more than 50 foot tall . Whether you use them as privacy hedges or groundwork plantings , in rock’n’roll or woodland garden , right planting is crucial for a good start .
Plant Hardiness Zone
Before planting hollies , choose a variety that ’s probable to survive in your area . Many hollies are hardy to U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zona 5 through 9 . American holly ( Ilex opata ) , for example , can grow as an individual specimen and pass on a top of 50 feet and a breadth of 40 feet , while Nipponese winterberry ( Ilex serrata ) can reach up to 8 feet in height . Yaupon holly ( Ilex vomitoria ) is a diversity that can rise up to 30 fundament magniloquent and thrives in the warm climate of USDA hardiness geographical zone 7 through 11 .
Prepping the Soil
Holly bushes prefer well - drained soil with a pH range between 5.0 and 6.0 . execute a soil mental testing in the capitulation before planting in bounce to determine the pH of the soil in your garden . you may use a commercial stain exam outfit or consult your local cooperative extension service regarding land testing . Depending on the results , you might have to incorporate limestone into the top 7 inches of grime to raise the pH or summate atomic number 16 to turn down it . While making these amendments , influence a 2- to 4 - in layer of compost into the soil to promote drain .
Planting Hollies
Hollies boom in a sunny area of the garden . The planting pickle should be as recondite as the height of the root ball and about two to three time as blanket . order the holly in the hole and backfill it midway . After softly pack the soil with your finger’s breadth , water thoroughly and wait for the moisture to drain and reach the root . Then backfill the remainder of the hole , pack the soil and pee again . Plant the holly at the same depth that it was previously grow . blank space multiple plants 5 to 25 substructure apart , count on the mature size .
Caring for Hollies
Hollies need even water and favor moist ground until they prove themselves . disperse a 2 - inch layer of bark mulch on the soil around the shrub can promote grime moisture retention and keep weeds at bay . Do n’t let the mulch impact the trunk of the holly ; keep it 2 to 3 column inch away . When the holly is lay down , provide it with about 1 inch of water system a workweek , adjust your lachrymation frequency after rain . Every outpouring , spread 2 inches of compost under the drip line of the bush to bring home the bacon nutrients , and if necessitate , prune the shrubs to maintain the desired elevation and shape . Be aware that eating the leave and Charles Edward Berry of some holly species , let in yaupon , make nausea and regurgitation .
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