These hollies can be up to 500 feet apart – although 300 to 400 feet is typically recommended. Winterberry (deciduous) holly need to be closer than evergreen holly. You’ll want to plant 1 male for every 5 to 10 females. Plant the male holly within 50 feet of the female holly.
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How close do hollies need to be to pollinate?
Male winterberry hollies must be fairly close to the females for pollination to occur. Experts generally recommend a distance of 100 feet or less. Also, there must be enough pollen to go around.
How far apart should holly bushes be planted?
Holly Hedge Planting and Density
Maintain the same level of soil as the plant had in its pot. Depending on the variety, plant them 6 inches apart if they are small cultivars and from 18 to 30 inches apart for larger varieties.
How do you plant male and female holly?
Plant one male holly for every 10 or so female plants and within 30 feet or so of the females. Alternately, plant hollies in measured rows, making every third one or so male, and offset males in neighboring rows. Add any amendments to the soil as recommended by the soil test. Water well and allow for some settling.
How do you pollinate a holly bush?
Hollies are pollinated mainly by bees. Even 200 feet is within the range that bees can carry pollen. A large male holly tree can pollinate numerous female trees. Hollies are most efficiently pollinated by plants of the same species or variety.
How quickly do holly trees 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.
When should you plant holly?
Plant when it's cool out. Late fall, early winter, or early spring are generally the best times to plant, depending on your climate and the holly variety you'll be planting.
How long does it take to grow a holly hedge?
Growth rate of Ilex aquifolium
Holly hedges plants have a slow growth rate of approximately 10-15cm each year. They will create a thick, decorative display reaching a height of up to 4m.
How do I get more berries on my holly bush?
Holly berries will only grow on two-year-old growth. If you prune the holly bush back severely, you will cut this growth off. Also, if you prune in the summer or fall, rather than in the winter or early spring, you may also be cutting off the stems that would produce berries next year.
How do you plant holly trees?
To plant holly, dig a hole two to three times the width of the plant's root ball. Place the plant in the hole with the top of the root ball level with or slightly higher than the surrounding soil. Allow at least 5 feet between smaller varieties and up to 25 feet for large, tree-type varieties.
When should holly bushes be trimmed?
So for best outcome and to ensure your hollies aren't unduly stressed, wait until late winter or early spring — just as the plant breaks dormancy — before you do any major downsizing. By waiting till your hollies are about to begin active growth, you'll also avoid several months of a skeleton appearance.
Can holly grow in shade?
Most evergreen hollies thrive best in full sun. The Japanese, American, Koehne, and longstalk hollies will grow in shade, but produce significantly more fruit when grown in sun. Most hollies prefer a well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is high in organic matter. Inkberries will grow in slightly damp soils.
Are there male and female holly plants?
Yes, almost always. Holly is Dioecious. Dioecious means that they belong to a group of plants that have both male and female flowers. This means that a male plant is necessary to produce berries on the female.
Why does my holly tree not have berries this year?
There are several reasons why female hollies fail to produce berries, many of which are under the control of the gardener. Lack of a compatible male plant. A compatible male was not present within 100 yards (the range for bees to transfer pollen) while the female was in flower. Lack of pollinators.
How do you thicken a holly hedge?
That first summer, gently trim the side branches to encourage thick and full growth. The following winter, ideally between February and March when the plants are dormant, shorten the new growth slightly and they will continue to bush out next season.
What is the best holly for a hedge?
Tight growers such as Japanese hollies and Meserve hollies (also known as blue hollies) make good hedges, as do English hollies, whose spiny leaves provide a useful barrier. For a thick, dense hedge, prune regularly.
What is the fastest growing holly tree?
The fastest growing holly tree is the Nellie Stevens holly. As mentioned, the Nellie Stevens Holly grows about 3 feet per year. Compared to the American Holly and the Dragon Lady Holly, which both usually only grow a few inches each year, the Nellie Stevens holly grows very quickly.
How close to a fence can I plant a hedge?
The best distance between the fence and hedge is five feet. This gives clearance for trimming, mowing, or using power tools. If this isn't possible, you can place the edge of the hedge one inch from the fence.
Is holly a good hedge?
Holly is ideal for hedges because of its relatively rapid growth and dense form. The red berries also add festive spots of color against dark green leaves that are set off by snow covering the landscape. When choosing holly to create a living wall, check the nursery tag to see if the mature height meets your needs.
What can I plant with holly bushes?
A few common holly companions for planting next to the shrubs include boxwood, viburnum, clematis, hydrangea, and rhododendrons.
What animal eats holly berries?
Deer, squirrels, and other small mammals will devour Ilex opaca (American holly) and the berries are an important source of food for as many as 18 species of birds.
Which birds eat holly berries?
13 Birds That Eat Holly Berries (with Photos, ID & Info)
What does lots of holly berries mean?
There are lots of holly berries on bushes, which could mean it's going to be a harsh winter.
What compost is best for holly trees?
You can purchase bagged compost at gardening centers, but many gardeners report that a homemade mix is the best compost for holly trees (as well as for their other plants). The manure is fully decomposed livestock waste, often mixed with wood shavings or sawdust, the University of New Hampshire Extension says.
What soil is best for holly trees?
Cultivation. Most hollies prefer a site that receives full sun, or is lightly shaded. They need a moist, but well-drained soil, enriched with lots of organic matter. They will grow in most soils types, but don't like gardens on solid chalk.