With its glossy, striking leaves, Ilex (better known as Holly) is a total favorite for gardeners, whether you’re looking to grow a privacy hedge or a beautiful standalone focal point. If you want to give your Holly the best possible start, follow these simple tips to make sure it’s happy in its new home.
Finding the Perfect Spot
Holly loves a spot with plenty of sunlight, though it’s also perfectly happy in partial shade. Just a heads-up: it won’t do very well if it’s stuck in deep, dark shade. When picking a spot, try to find somewhere sheltered from harsh winds and drafts. This little bit of protection goes a long way in lowering the risk of diseases.
A great trick is to plant it near taller trees or a house wall for protection. Ideally, you want a spot that gets plenty of morning or afternoon sun but stays out of the scorching, direct midday heat to keep those beautiful leaves from getting stressed.
The Best Soil for Your Holly
One thing Holly absolutely hates is “wet feet.” If the roots sit in standing water for too long, they can rot, which means the plant won’t be able to take up the nutrients it needs to survive. To avoid this, make sure your soil is well-draining. If you’re worried about your soil being too heavy or clay-like, you can always add a drainage layer (like gravel) at the bottom of the hole before planting.
You’ll also want to keep an eye on the lime content. Too much lime makes the soil alkaline, which isn’t ideal for Holly. Other than that, it’s not a very picky plant! It can even handle poorer soils as long as you keep up with some basic care and maintenance.
How to Plant Your Ilex
The best time to get your Holly in the ground is early spring. Pick a day when there’s no frost so the roots can settle in and spread out easily. This timing allows the plant to use its natural springtime growth spurt to establish itself.
Don’t forget about spacing! If you’re planting a hedge, space your plants about 15 inches (40 cm) apart. If you’re planting a single Holly as a standalone feature, give it plenty of room—about 6 feet (2 meters) from other plants.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide:
- Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball.
- Prepare a mix of potting soil, horn meal (or a slow-release fertilizer), and compost.
- Gently place your Holly in the center of the hole.
- Fill the hole back up with your soil mix and press it down firmly to remove air pockets.
- Finish off by spreading a layer of mulch around the base.
That mulch layer acts like a cozy blanket for the roots. Even though Holly is generally winter hardy, young plants need a little extra protection from the cold while they’re still getting established. Make sure to give your new Holly plenty of water during its first two weeks in the ground!
