Among the most stately but slow - growing broadleaf evergreen plant plant for the garden , holly tree diagram ( Ilex spp . ) are beloved for their saw-toothed leaves and exhibit of colorful berries that persist through winter . Two classic holly tree species are American and English holly , each maturing into a grandiloquent pyramid - like tree anywhere from 30 to 50 feet grandiloquent and 20 to 40 feet wide . American holly is more cold tolerant , grown in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 through 9 , whereas English holly is upright in USDA zone 6 and 7 ( or through zone 10 if in the less humid Pacific states ) according to Dr. Michael Dirr of the University of Georgia .

Basic Soil Requirements

Perhaps the most important aspect of successfully growing a Buddy Holly tree is the tone of the soil . While it ’s authoritative that the soil is fertile , moist and well - draining , it absolutely must be acidic ( pH grim than 6.8 ) . Non - acid land subject holly trees to nutritive insufficiency , specially micronutrients like atomic number 12 , iron and Mn .

Significance of Fertilizer

Maintaining a acidic dirt is authoritative to alleviate effective intake of necessary nutrient by the holly Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s roots . A lack of nutrients leads most usually to chlorosis , which is the unhealthy yellowing of foliage . Already behind - growing , if the plant can not sustain green chlorophyl pigments in its leaves , its food - wee-wee abilities are halter . Subsequent scathe from malnutrition leads to premature leaf drop , susceptibleness to drought and winter dusty as well as insect pests and diseases .

Types

Any tone , well - equilibrate fertilizer product can be used to provide necessary mineral in the holly Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s root zone . Fort Valley State University states an 8 - 8 - 8 or 10 - 10 - 10 formula suffices . A slow - acquittance convention is best . Focus on a mathematical product that is known to create acidic grunge conditions . One recommended and specially formulated product for hollies is called Holly - Tone . Other fertilizer that produce acidic soil condition admit those label for use on gardenias , rhododendron / azalea or needled evergreen . Choose a fertilizer with a urea - free-base atomic number 7 author , which is hump as a " non - burning " fertiliser that will not harm attendant holly tree roots after software .

Timing

Dosages

As a oecumenical rule , note Yardener , apply the chondritic plant food at a rate of 1 to 2 lbs . of product per in of tree trunk diam . Measure the tree ’s diameter at 1 substructure above the footing . For vernal , smaller holly trees ( irrespective of species ) , apply 1/2 lb . of fertilizer if the tree ’s stem base is 1/2 to 1 in in diameter . In containers or for little seedling , apply 1 tbsp . of fertilizer per metrical unit of summit on the flora , advises Fort Valley State University . Scatter the plant food all around the foot of the tree to 2 feet beyond the reach of the branch .

Benefits of Organic Mulch

Charles Hardin Holley Tree prosper when the soil is deep in constitutive matter , especially with a mulch that degrade and creates an acidic ground environment . fall holly entrust , pine bark , oak leaf mold , and evergreen needles make superb mulch top fertilisation over the root zone of holly . Maintain the mulch at a depth of 3 to 4 inch . Scattering coffee soil doubly a class over the usual mulch ensures the grease stay adequately acidic in pH. Apply fertilizer granules directly over the mulch ; there is no need to rake back the mulch to expose the soil when fertilize .

References

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