I wasn't going to post again today, but then went on the website and see I had almost 1000 hits about holly. We are here busy getting ready for Christmas which is just one week away. I took a Bible Advent Study in November and the lessons were on the gifts we can give at Christmas. Love, hope, faith, foundation all from the promise of the birth of our baby Jesus. Also talked about not getting so wrapped up in the Christmas things to do, but give these gifts instead. So I am trying to work on what is important the rest will come after Christmas like our Christmas cards. Hope all of you are enjoying the reason for the season. Merry Christmas
If you read this far, you will notice I am wishing my dad in heaven a Happy Birthday today. He was born in 1903, and yes I am still in my 60's so late in their life child. He has been in heaven since 1970 but he is with me every day. LOVE you DAD....
I guess the day is a day of sharing memories and about me. Hope that is ok....
This did bring up some discussion, so I found out more information because to grow the berries you need both the female and the male species. I noticed that there are cultivars out there that will have both on one plant. SO now the question will those cultivars produce the berries. Easier to sell one plant than two.
The female bush is the one that gives the berries. Here is what I found out about that.
Proper Care For Holly Shrubs – Tips For Growing A Holly Bush By Heather Rhoades
Growing holly bushes in your yard can add structure and a splash of color in the winter and a lush, green backdrop for other flowers in the summer. Because they are such popular plants, many people have questions about the care of holly bushes.
The best time for planting holly bushes is in either the spring or fall. The relatively low temperatures combined with higher rainfall will make settling into the new location much less stressful for the 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.
If you are growing a holly bush for its bright berries, you need to keep in mind that most holly varieties have male and female plants and that only the female holly shrub produces berries. This means that in the location where you would like to plant a holly bush with berries, you will need to plant a female variety and you will also need to make sure that a male variety is planted nearby. Instead, you can also try to find holly varieties that do not need a male plant in order to produce holly berries.
The initial care of holly bushes after they are planted is much like other trees and shrubs. Make sure that your newly planted holly bush is watered daily for the first week, twice a week for a month after that and, if planting in spring, once a week for the remained of summer.
The care of holly bushes after they are established is easy. Fertilize your holly bushes once a year with a balanced fertilizer. They do not need to be watered in normal conditions, but if your area is experiencing a drought, you should give your holly bushes at least 2 inches of water per week. When growing a holly bush, it also helps to mulch around the base of the holly shrub to help retain water in the summer and to even out the soil temperature in the winter.
Proper care for holly shrubs also calls for regular pruning. Pruning your holly bushes will ensure that they keep a nice compact form rather than becoming leggy and scraggly. If you find that your holly shrubs are being damaged in the winter by snow and wind, you can wrap the holly shrubs in burlap to protect them from the weather.
Article printed from Gardening Know How: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse Dougherty, Iowa
If you read this far, you will notice I am wishing my dad in heaven a Happy Birthday today. He was born in 1903, and yes I am still in my 60's so late in their life child. He has been in heaven since 1970 but he is with me every day. LOVE you DAD....
I guess the day is a day of sharing memories and about me. Hope that is ok....
This did bring up some discussion, so I found out more information because to grow the berries you need both the female and the male species. I noticed that there are cultivars out there that will have both on one plant. SO now the question will those cultivars produce the berries. Easier to sell one plant than two.
The female bush is the one that gives the berries. Here is what I found out about that.
Proper Care For Holly Shrubs – Tips For Growing A Holly Bush By Heather Rhoades
Growing holly bushes in your yard can add structure and a splash of color in the winter and a lush, green backdrop for other flowers in the summer. Because they are such popular plants, many people have questions about the care of holly bushes.
The best time for planting holly bushes is in either the spring or fall. The relatively low temperatures combined with higher rainfall will make settling into the new location much less stressful for the 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.
If you are growing a holly bush for its bright berries, you need to keep in mind that most holly varieties have male and female plants and that only the female holly shrub produces berries. This means that in the location where you would like to plant a holly bush with berries, you will need to plant a female variety and you will also need to make sure that a male variety is planted nearby. Instead, you can also try to find holly varieties that do not need a male plant in order to produce holly berries.
The initial care of holly bushes after they are planted is much like other trees and shrubs. Make sure that your newly planted holly bush is watered daily for the first week, twice a week for a month after that and, if planting in spring, once a week for the remained of summer.
The care of holly bushes after they are established is easy. Fertilize your holly bushes once a year with a balanced fertilizer. They do not need to be watered in normal conditions, but if your area is experiencing a drought, you should give your holly bushes at least 2 inches of water per week. When growing a holly bush, it also helps to mulch around the base of the holly shrub to help retain water in the summer and to even out the soil temperature in the winter.
Proper care for holly shrubs also calls for regular pruning. Pruning your holly bushes will ensure that they keep a nice compact form rather than becoming leggy and scraggly. If you find that your holly shrubs are being damaged in the winter by snow and wind, you can wrap the holly shrubs in burlap to protect them from the weather.
Article printed from Gardening Know How: http://www.gardeningknowhow.com
Till next time, this is Becky Litterer from Becky's Greenhouse Dougherty, Iowa
