by Molly Carter

Created on: October 09, 2007

Holly is a both a gorgeous decoration for the holidays, and for the exterior of houses. Although it can flourish almost anywhere except Australia and Antarctica, these plants thrive best under certain conditions. Most gardeners do not realize how many varieties exist and how much work a healthy plant entails. Here are nine tips for growing holly.

PICK THE APPROPRIATE HOLLY

Some plants grow better in different areas. Different breeds can range in size from 6 feet to 70 feet tall and the fruit and berries vary from plant to plant. Although some won't grow best in USDA zones 5 and 6, others thrive in these colder climate zones. The holly that most people associate with Christmas is English holly (ilex aquifolium) which grows best in Zone 6.

MALE AND FEMALE HOLLY
In order for a female holly to produce berries, a male plant must grow within 30 to 40 feet away. Without a male plant, your holly will not grow any fruit or berries.

SUN AND TEMPERATURE
Make sure your holly gets a lot of sun. Poor pollination and early frosts can damage your plant. If you live in a hot region, make sure your plant gets sufficient water.

SOIL
Holly thrives best in acidic soil. High nitrogen in the soil can be detrimental to your holly.

PRUNING
Holly can be pruned to almost any shape. By pruning your holly back, you will ensure that it grows a lot of hearty leafs. Left to vie for itself, it will actually strangle itself.

WEEDING
Holly thrives best without any weeds. Make sure you weed your holly often so your plant can get the most nutrients and moisture from the soil.

WHERE YOU PLANT
Holly does not transplant well. Make sure you pick the position you plan to plant your holly carefully. If you must transplant your holly, remove the holly carefully with a large root ball. The best time to transplant is in late winter or early spring.

CAREFUL AROUND THE HOLIDAYS
Although it's tempting to chop all your holly around the holidays, you plant can suffer from being overly cut back. If you enjoy these decorations around Christmas time plant multiple plants.

GERMINATING
To germinate holly seeds you will have to place them in stratification. Place the seeds between layers of leaves or soil. Alternate between freezing and thawing to crack the seeds, but be sure to keep them cool. Plant them in the spring.

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