Hollies are evergreen trees that are widely used in the home landscape. They are great for privacy hedges, anchoring, and specimen and group plantings. Hollies are hardy plants that are extremely low maintenance. Holly berries are a main food source for many birds and other wildlife. These glossy, deep green beauties are easy to grow and add character, color, and texture to your yard.
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Holly Trees grow anywhere from 6 inches to 3 feet per year. Fast growing Holly Trees like the Needlepoint Holly and Nellie Stevens Holly can grow up to 3 feet in a single year. The Oakland Holly is a fast growing Holly as well. They can grow up to 2 feet annually. With a growth rate of 6 to 12 inches per year, the Sky Pencil Holly and the Steeds Holly are slower growing. Holly trees, like most trees, grow faster when they are younger and slow down as they age.
Holly Trees are extremely low maintenance and easy to grow. They generally prefer full sun, but they can tolerate some shade as well. They are adaptable to just about any soil, but prefer well-drained, acidic soil. Hollies are drought tolerant once established, but will appreciate a drink when conditions are extremely dry. Feed your Holly Tree when planting and once yearly in spring with Espoma Holly Tone to boost growth.
Holly Trees do not require pruning. But if desired for size control or invigorating an older plant, reserve heavy pruning for winter. A light trim can be done at any time throughout the year. Prune away broken and dead branches right away. Holly hedges can be trimmed yearly in late spring, after new growth emerges. This practice will keep your hedge looking well groomed. For more information read our blog here.
Water your Holly Tree thoroughly before planting. The hole should be about twice as wide as the root ball, and the top of the root ball should be slightly visible above the soil line. Replace the soil around your Holly Tree. Water deeply immediately after planting. In week 1 water daily. Water deeply 3 times per week for weeks 2 and 3. Water 1 to 2 times per week for the next 2 months or so until your Holly Trees are established.
Hollies can be planted throughout the year in mild climates. Avoid planting Holly plants in the summer in tropical or subtropical regions or supplement with plenty of water. Plant 6 weeks prior to the first freeze in colder growing zones. This will help them begin to establish prior to severe temperatures so they are ready for winter. Mulching will help protect the roots over winter.
The Needlepoint Holly is a tough evergreen that is able to grow in sun or shade. The pretty red berries add color and interest to your yard in fall and winter. Songbirds love the holly berries from this Holly Tree. If you are looking for a fast growing, deer resistant privacy screen, the Needlepoint Holly is for you.
The Nellie Stevens Holly is a fast growing holly plant that is hardy, low maintenance, and ideal for privacy hedges. This large Holly has tons of pretty red berries to add color to your landscape and feed wildlife. They look gorgeous as anchors on the corners of your home or as a single focal plant.
The Oakland Holly is quite unique and has leaves that look like small oak leaves. This Holly is similar to the American Holly in shape and size, but it has soft textured leaves that won’t prick you. This Oakleaf Holly Tree makes a nice hedge or accent shrub.
The Sky Pencil Holly is an upright columnar tree that is perfect for narrow spaces in your landscape. Whether you use it as an upscale accent shrub, unique screen, or cool container plant, the Sky Pencil is a beautiful Holly Tree that adds class and sophistication to your home.
This pyramidal Holly Tree requires minimal maintenance. The small dark green leaves are similar to boxwood leaves.This tough Holly Tree is great as a privacy hedge or an accent shrub. It also looks nice framing a doorway. A top choice when considering holly trees for sale.
Browse our Holly Bush and Evergreen Trees collections for additional options.
