What Is Blue Holly - Tips On Growing Meserve Blue Hollies

How do you plant blue holly?

Plant blue holly in moist, well-drained soil. The plants do best in soil that is slightly acidic and in a full sun or partial sun site. Blue holly trees thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 8.

How far apart should holly bushes be planted?

Space the plants 2 to 3 feet apart, depending on the variety used and overall size. Because holly shrubs tend to have shallow root systems, add mulch to keep the soil cool and moist. These shrubs are dioecious plants, meaning they are separated into two sexes.

Do Holly plants need 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.

Do holly bushes grow fast?

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

Are blue holly berries poisonous?

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. ... Holly leaves might also cause symptoms if eaten but, because they are prickly, children usually leave them alone.

Are Blue Princess 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. These berries remain attached to the plant while it's still fresh, but as the plant dries, the berries loosen and may fall off of your décor and onto the floor.

What can I plant next to holly bushes?

A few common holly companions for planting next to the shrubs include boxwood, viburnum, clematis, hydrangea, and rhododendrons.

Where is the best place to plant a holly bush?

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.

Is Holly a good hedge?

Problems with Holly Hedging

So whether you want a practical hedge with screening properties, beautiful foliage, year round cover, seasonal interest or to utilise as an effective addition to a garden design or mixed hedgerow and will thrive in difficult conditions, Holly is the perfect hardy hedge plant for you.

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 bushes poisonous to dogs?

The leaves and the berries of both American Holly and English Holly can be toxic to humans and to their pets. While they are not highly toxic, both leaves and berries will cause your dog to drool excessively or experience upset stomach, diarrhea, appetite loss, or depression if eaten in large amounts.

How long do holly bushes 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.

Do you need 2 holly bushes to get berries?

No, all holly bushes do not have berries. Hollies are dioecious, meaning that they need male and female plants in order to produce seeds, which are what berries are. ... It also means that if all of your holly bushes do not have berries, that they may all be male or they all may be female.

What is the best fertilizer for holly bushes?

Fertilizing Holly Bushes

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.

What is the fastest growing holly?

Nellie Stevens Hollies are fast-growing, developing up to 3 feet of new growth a year. Nellie Stevens Hollies are relatively hardy and strong. These privacy screen or accent trees require a sunny location with some access to shade.

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 makes Holly berries dangerous?

Holly exposure accounts for the 3^rd highest rate of genus-specific human plant exposure calls in 2010, with 877. The berries containing the toxin saponin are poisonous; the leaves are not. The toxic component of the berries is saponin.

Do mice eat holly berries?

Small mammals like wood mice and dormice also enjoy them. How to use at home: holly berries are poisonous to people and pets, so stick to using them for festive decorations.

How can you tell if berries are poisonous?

Stay away from white, yellow, and green berries.

In most cases (some botanists guess as high as 90%), these three colors indicate poisonous berries. While a knowledgeable camper might be able to name or find some exceptions, the best rule is to avoid all white, yellow, and green unless you're sure it is safe.

What are holly berries used for?

English holly and American holly are used as ornamental Christmas greens. The leaves of these and other holly species are used to make medicine. The berries are very poisonous and should not be swallowed. Historically, American holly fruit tea was used as a heart stimulant by American Indians.