what goes well with holly bushes

What Works Well With Holly Bushes in a Landscaping Design?

• Clematis x durandii Hybrid Although clematis is primarily a vining plant, the hybrid Clematis x durandii makes an excellent ground cover that is not aggressive. ...
• Gold Forsythia Covered by golden yellow flowers in early spring, the deciduous shrub gold forsythia (Forsythia x intermedia 'Kolgold') is an excellent companion to holly, contrasting nicely with holly's bluish-green leaves. ...
• Burning Bush ...

Full Answer

What can I plant under my Holly Bush?

Because holly plants are usually planted small, but eventually grow very large, many gardeners use annual plantings under holly bushes. This prevents having to dig up and move perennials or shrubs, as they holly plants grow larger. Annuals also work well as underplantings for container grown holly shrubs. Some annual holly companions include:

What shrubs go well with Burford Holly?

The juxtaposition of Burford holly's green branches with shrubs that have a golden hue give foundation plantings an extra boost of curb appeal. Alternating dwarf Burford holly with golden euonymus (Euonymus japonicus “Aureo-marginatus”) makes a striking row of medium-height shrubs along a home's front or side facade.

How do you take care of a holly bush?

The care of holly bushes after they are established is easy. Fertilize your holly bushes once a year with a balanced fertilizer. They do not need to be watered in normal conditions, but if your area is experiencing a drought, you should give your holly bushes at least 2 inches of water per week.

Do holly bushes have berries?

This means that in the location where you would like to plant a holly bush with berries, you will need to plant a female variety and you will also need to make sure that a male variety is planted nearby. Instead, you can also try to find holly varieties that do not need a male plant in order to produce holly berries.

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What can I plant with a holly hedge?

Holly trees grow best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Examples of acid-loving plants include azaleas (Rhododendron spp.), growing USDA zones 6 through 10, rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) in USDA zones 6 through 10, and hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) in USDA zones 3 through 9.

Are holly bushes good for landscaping?

Holly provides year-round interest while serving as part of a hedge or perennial border, or in foundation plantings. Evergreen varieties take center stage in winter when they anchor leafless garden beds. Tall evergreen hollies are good for creating a dense hedge or screen.

How do you landscape a holly bush?

Dig a trench about 4 or 5 inches deep around a flower bed, and place the holly plants in the trench to accommodate the root ball. Space them about 8 inches apart, and fill in with soil that has been amended with compost and peat moss. Water well, and cover the roots with mulch to retain moisture.

Where is the best place to plant a holly bush?

full sunHolly 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.

Do you need 2 holly bushes to get berries?

Most hollies, Ilex spp., whether evergreen or deciduous, have male and female flowers on separate plants: hollies are dioecious. To obtain fruit set, the female requires a compatible male of the same or related species for proper pollination.

How long does a holly bush last?

Holly trees can live to be well over 100 years. The lifespan depends on a variety of factors, including the species of Holly. The oldest Holly tree on record is over 600 years old and is the European Holly species known as Common Holly.

How much space do you need between holly bushes?

Planting several of holly shrubs in a row is common, but make sure to plant them five to six feet apart. This allows the Nellie Stevens hollies to grow together and create a living wall of greenery. To plant your holly, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and with a height equal to the height of the root ball.

How do you keep holly looking good?

Holly Care Tips We suggest that you keep your cut holly in a cool place, not exposed to intense heat or cold. Cut holly will last considerably longer if the stems are placed in water, similar to cut flowers. Cut holly arrangements have a water containment base. Add fresh water immediately.

How far apart should I plant my holly bushes?

Allow at least 5 feet between smaller varieties and up to 25 feet for large, tree-type varieties. Fill the hole about half full with soil, then fill the hole with water to settle the soil and remove air pockets.

How quickly do holly bushes grow?

American holly is normally planted from potted nursery specimens in the spring or early fall. It has a medium growth rate, adding 12 to 24 inches per year until reaching its mature size of 30 feet or more.

How long does it take for holly bushes to grow?

5-10 yearsQuick Reference Growing GuidePlant Type:Ornamental evergreen shrub or treeWhite/bright or dark green (red, sometimes yellow/orange berries)Exposure:Full sun to part shade3.5-6.5Time to Maturity:5-10 yearsWell-drainingSpacing:10-20 feetLowPlanting Depth:Depth of root ballBirds, squirrels, other small mammals7 more rows•Nov 14, 2021

Is holly poisonous to dogs?

Shrubs That Are Poisonous to Dogs Holly: Varieties include American holly, English holly, Japanese holly, and Christmas holly. Although some are less toxic than others, it is best to keep your dog away from any variety.

Are holly bushes low maintenance?

Hollies are easy to grow and generally require little pruning – overall they are low maintenance. They also look great planted in a patio planter. These holly bush care tips will point out how to grow and prune holly to your advantage and what you need to know before adding a holly bush to your garden.

Is boxwood or holly a better plant?

The Japanese Holly grows in hardiness zones of 6 through 9, while the boxwood grows in hardiness zones 5 through 9, making it slightly more resistant overall. The Japanese Holly and The boxwood have extremely similar uses in backyard landscaping, given the fact that they are both easy to maintain hedges or shrubs.

How long will cut holly last outside?

My Dad has started making his holly wreaths (along with my brothers he will make around 1000 items between now and Christmas) but everything is stored outside! Around 3 weeks (depending on how good your heating is) sounds about right.

Are holly bushes beneficial?

What are holly bushes good for? Holly bushes are fantastic fillers as they add lush green backdrops to any garden. They also provide essential food to birds in the colder months of winter.

What is a holly tree?

Holly trees are known for their winter berries, the source of their reputation as holiday plants. By pairing your holly tree with plants that display ornamentation at other times of the year, your landscape will feature a continuous display of colorful foliage and blossoms.

What type of soil do holly trees like?

Holly trees grow best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. Examples of acid-loving plants include azaleas (Rhododendron spp.), growing USDA zones 6 through 10, rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) in USDA zones 6 through 10, and hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) in USDA zones 3 through 9. These large bushy flowers will bloom in the spring, summer and some varieties will bloom in fall. They prefer morning sun and afternoon shade and thrive in acidic soils.

What zone do holly trees grow in?

Holly trees (Ilex spp.) grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 11. These evergreen trees make beautiful ornamental specimens in a yard or as a screen between two properties. As you choose the appropriate plants to go with your holly tree, look for those shrubs and flowers that will thrive in ...

What is the best soil for boxwood?

Boxwood shrubs (Buxus spp.) thrive in slightly acidic soil and partial shade in USDA zones 6 through 8. These multi-purpose plants work as a screen or hedge and allow pruning into nearly any shape. For a groundcover, common periwinkle (Vinca minor) thrives in partial shade and is known for producing delightful flowers in spring and early summer in USDA zones 4 through 8.

What plants are acid loving?

Examples of acid-loving plants include azaleas (Rhododendron spp.), growing USDA zones 6 through 10, rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.) in USDA zones 6 through 10, and hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.) in USDA zones 3 through 9. These large bushy flowers will bloom in the spring, summer and some varieties will bloom in fall.

Is a Holly a perennial?

Young trees may be surrounded with shade tolerant annuals like impatiens (Impatiens spp.), but perennials, like shade-loving hostas, may need to be moved as the tree grows. Smaller holly varieties, like the Chinese Holly (Ilex cornuta), ...

What Can I Grow Underneath a Holly Bush?

Because holly plants are usually planted small, but eventually grow very large, many gardeners use annual plantings under holly bushes. This prevents having to dig up and move perennials or shrubs, as they holly plants grow larger. Annuals also work well as underplantings for container grown holly shrubs.

What are the three types of holly?

The three commonly grown types of holly are American holly ( Ilex opaca ), English holly ( Ilex aquifolium ), and Chinese colly ( Ilex cornuta ). All three are evergreens that will grow in partially shaded locations.

How tall do holly bushes grow?

With some holly types having a growth rate of 12-24 inches (30-61 cm.) per year , finding companion plants for growing holly bushes can be a challenge.

How tall does an English Holly grow?

English holly is hardy in zones 3-7 and can grow 15-30 feet (5-9 m.) tall and wide.

Can you plant Snapdragons under holly bushes?

Snapdragons. Planting under holly bushes that are more established is much easier than planting under young holly bushes. Many gardeners even like to limb up large hollies, so that they grow more in the form of a tree. Left natural, holly plants will mature into a classic evergreen conical shape.

What shrubs are similar to Burford Holly?

The juxtaposition of Burford holly's green branches with shrubs that have a golden hue give foundation plantings an extra boost of curb appeal. Alternating dwarf Burford holly with golden euonymus (Euonymus japonicus “Aureo-marginatus”) makes a striking row of medium-height shrubs along a home's front or side facade. The upright branches and yellow-tone foliage of evergreen euonymus, which grows in USDA zones 6 through 9, stand in glowing contrast to the holly's lateral branching habit and rich, glossy green foliage. The draping, yellow-hued Golden Charm thread-branch cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera filifera “Golden Charm”) brings a bright accent to the foundation planting when it is set in front of Burford holly. Golden Charm grows in USDA zones 4 through 8.

What is a dwarf Burford Holly?

The dwarf variety of Burford holly (Ilex cornuta “Dwarf Burford”) provides lush greenery in smaller-scale settings. Burford holly, which is also known as Chinese holly, thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9, and is a robust, attractive companion for plants with complementary colors and shapes.

What do holly bushes do in the winter?

Growing holly bushes in your yard can add structure and a splash of color in the winter and a lush, green backdrop for other flowers in the summer. Because they are such popular plants, many people have questions about the care of holly bushes.

Why mulch around holly shrubs?

When growing a holly bush, it also helps to mulch around the base of the holly shrub to help retain water in the summer and to even out the soil temperature in the winter.

Why wrap holly shrubs in burlap?

If you find that your holly shrubs are being damaged in the winter by snow and wind, you can wrap the holly shrubs in burlap to protect them from the weather.

Do holly bushes need a male plant?

Instead, you can also try to find holly varieties that do not need a male plant in order to produce holly berries. The initial care of holly bushes after they are planted is much like other trees and shrubs.

Do holly plants grow in shade?

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. If you are growing a holly bush for its bright berries, you need to keep in mind that most holly varieties have male and female plants and that only the female holly shrub produces berries.

Do you need a male or female holly plant to grow berries?

This means that in the location where you would like to plant a holly bush with berries, you will need to plant a female variety and you will also need to make sure that a male variety is planted nearby. Instead, you can also try to find holly varieties that do not need a male plant in order to produce holly berries.

What kind of holly is used in decorating?

The English holly and the American holly are the most common types of holly bushes used in holiday décor, though there are countless other options available. With so many types of hollies to choose from, there is sure to be one, or many, that will meet your landscape needs.

What are the different types of holly bushes?

18 Types of Holly Bushes. 1. American Holly. The American holly ( Ilex opaca) is commonly used as a substitute for the English holly in Christmas décor, in areas where the latter doesn’t grow as well. Both varieties look similar, in that they have an abundance of red berries and sharp-toothed foliage.

Why is a long stalk holly called a peduncle?

The longstalk holly ( Illex pedunculosa) gets its name because the fruit that it produces grows at the end of a long stalk, called a peduncle. These types of hollies are an excellent choice for adding a pop of color to your garden during fall and winter months.

Why are holly bushes so popular?

Holly bushes and trees are a great way to bring life to your garden during the winter months. While, in the summer, hollies can create a dreamy backdrop for the rest of your plants and shrubs. These plants are very popular in Christmas décor, mostly due to the fact that they are often associated with symbols of renaissance and hope.

How tall do Hawaiian hollies grow?

These shrubs grow to reach an average height of 30 to 40 feet, with a lifespan of over five years. The fruit on the Hawaiian holly is a purple-black color, while the leaves are a glossy, dark green with paler green undersides. These hollies also form clusters of white flowers with greenish centers.

How tall are holly bushes?

They typically reach a height of between 10 and 40 feet. Like the American holly, the English holly has spines on the edges of their deep, shiny green leaves. All-female varieties produce fragrant white flowers in early summertime, which develop into bright berries in white, yellow, orange, or red colors.

What color are holly berries?

In autumn, berries and fruits appear in a wide array of colors including pink, yellow, white, black, and numerous shades of red. Most, though not all, holly plant varieties feature characteristic glossy green leaves with serrated edges and barbed teeth.

What are the leaves of holly?

The glossy "holly-shaped" leaves and ruby red berries of English holly have brought a bough of cheer into a multitude of homes. But hollies are also classic winners in the outdoor landscape. Their distinctive leaves, diversity of form and cheerful charisma bring year-round appeal to the garden. And they really shine in winter, with a long-lasting display of brightly colored berries that not only enlivens the wintry scene but also serves as sustenance for a variety of songbirds.

What are hollies used for?

Hollies make an effective foil for other colors or create a fabulous focal point. Some varieties can even be trained as bonsai trees. Whatever position they play in the garden, hollies are an excellent way of adding texture to the overall landscape.

What is a good backdrop for a garden?

crenata) to frame a path, or try a taller evergreen variety such as English holly 'Sparkler' (I. aquifolium 'Sparkler') or blue holly (I. x meserveae) as a backdrop to beds and borders.

How tall is a Japanese holly?

Japanese holly (I. crenata): Evergreen shrub or small tree growing from 1 to 15 feet tall. Leaves are deep green and small, with dense growth more similar to a boxwood than a holly. Small berries are mostly glossy black, but sometimes white or yellow depending on the species and variety.

What color are spherical leaves?

Leaf shape and size run the gamut, too -- from smooth to spiny, narrow to broad, and quite tiny to rather large. Most are dark green to glossy green in color, but blue types exist, and the variegated forms with white or silver leaf margins are quite striking.

How tall do blue holly plants grow?

For shades of blue, grow cool-looking blue holly, sporting stunning purple stems and softly deep blue-green leaves. Growing 5 to 12 feet in height, this group of hybrids is quite showy in the landscape, with contrasting bright red berries and typical holly-shaped leaves. Disease-resistant and more tolerant of heat than most hollies.

How tall is an American Holly?

American holly (I. opaca): Slow-growing evergreen trees from 40 to 100 feet tall are rounded to pyramidal in shape. Similar in appearance to English holly, though leaves are not quite as glossy or as deep in color. Berry color varies tremendously in shades from light yellow to orange, or red.