American Holly Information Tips On Growing American Holly Trees

American holly trees can take all types of soil but prefer slightly acidic, good draining, sandy soil. American holly trees perform well in shade and full sun but prefer partial sun. These trees like regular and even moisture but they can also tolerate some flooding, occasional drought and ocean salt spray.

How fast do American hollies grow?

Growth Rate

This tree grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12" to 24" per year.

How do you take care of a holly tree?

Planting and Growing Conditions

Light: Holly plants to best in full sun.
Soil: Well drained loamy soil that is slightly acidic. ...
Water: Hollies like a moderate amount of water, usually adequately provided by rainfall. ...
Mulch: Several inches of mulch to prevent freeze-thaw damage to the shallow roots.

Where is the best place to plant a holly tree?

The best location for planting holly bushes is in well-drained but not dry, slightly acidic soil in full sun. That being said, most hollies are very tolerant of less than ideal locations and will grow well in part shade or dry or swampy soil.

Does American holly grow in shade?

American holly grows from Massachusetts to Florida, west to Texas and Missouri, and is adapted to a wide range of site conditions. It grows best on well drained, sandy soils, but will tolerate those which are somewhat poorly drained. This small tree has good shade tolerance, but does well in direct sun.

How long do American holly trees live?

The Holly plant does grow pretty slow, but can eventually attain a height of around 30-50 feet in a compact pyramid shape. If planted in the right conditions and decently cared for some hollies can live up to 100 years or longer.

What is Holly Good For?

More recently, preparations of holly leaf have been used for coughs, digestive disorders, water retention, and yellowed skin (jaundice). Ilex aquifolium leaves are used for treating fevers that come and go, joint pain (rheumatism), swelling, water retention, and chest congestion.

What is the best fertilizer for holly trees?

Gardeners have lots of options when choosing a holly plant fertilizer. Compost or well-rotted livestock manure make 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.

How do I know if my holly is male or female?

Hollies are generally male or female, so check before you buy. If you want berries on a female plant, you will need to plant a male nearby. Some cultivar names can be confusing: for example, Ilex aquifolium 'Golden Queen' is male, while Ilex x altaclerensis 'Golden King' is female.

Are holly trees invasive?

Holly Isn't Noxious, But it is Invasive

Very few culturally and economically significant species receive the noxious weed designation. Although not listed as noxious, holly is widely recognized as an invasive plant in our region. ... Holly is a large, slow growing evergreen, usually found as a shrub or small tree.

Do holly trees have deep roots?

Incredibly hardy, holly plants have an extensive, deep root system that allows them to establish themselves easily and compete well for nutrients and water.

Which birds eat holly berries?

Blackbirds, fieldfares, redwings and thrushes eat the berries. Holly leaves are slow to break down, so hedgehogs, small mammals, toads and slow worms hibernate in the deep leaf litter that builds up beneath the trees.

Are holly berries poisonous to dogs?

Holly Berries are Toxic

To put it simply, the berries of the holly plant are toxic—not only to dogs, but also to other animals and children. ... If your dog does ingest the berries of a holly plant, he/she is likely to recover, but it's going to be a difficult recovery.

Does Holly like full sun?

Holly bushes do best in well-drained, moderately acidic soil, in full sun. They don't like to be transplanted, so think carefully about where you'll plant. 2. Pick the right time to plant.

Is a holly bush poisonous?

Boughs of holly are okay, but berries are not! Holly leaves, branches and berries are beautiful holiday decorations, but the berries are poisonous to people and pets. Swallowing holly berries can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and drowsiness.

How long does a holly tree take to grow?

After two to three years your holly tree will begin to regain its shape. The hard pruning will have removed any potential for flowering (and berry production) for a couple of years but that will also return after two to three years.

How can you tell an American holly?

Look at the color of the leaves. English holly has a deep green color and glossy finish. American holly leaves are a lighter, yellow-green with a dull sheen. Variegated leaves, ever popular during the holidays, indicate English holly.

Is Holly fast growing?

With an average annual growth rate of 10-20cm, our Holly hedge plants require little maintenance. This allows you to enjoy the multiple benefits of these fantastic hedging plants without the constant upkeep which other species need.

How do you propagate American holly?

Most holly plants are propagated through cuttings, which are dipped in a rooting hormone and placed in potting soil and sand mixture. This is then kept moist while the plants are establishing roots. The best time to do propagation of holly shrubs from cuttings differs depending on which type is taken.

How many holly berries will kill you?

A child can eat 1-2 holly berries (Ilex sp.) without harm, but around 20 berries can cause death, so eating holly berries is a serious concern for children and pets. Though the berries are the part that is most commonly eaten, the bark, leaves, and seeds are toxic.

What is Holly a symbol of?

The Druids regarded holly as a symbol of fertility and eternal life, thought to have magical powers. Today, Christians have adopted the holly tree as a symbol for Christmas. The sharp leaves are said to symbolize the crown of thorns worn by Christ, while the berries represent his blood.

Is Holly a hardwood or softwood?

Comments: Holly is typically used only for ornamental and decorative purposes. It has a fairly large shrinkage rate, with a lot of seasonal movement in service, and its strength properties are mediocre for a hardwood. Related Species: American Holly (Ilex opaca)