Holly branches are often used to prepare Christmas decorations, wreaths and other winter compositions. However, if we want the twigs obtained from our garden to look great, we must take proper care of the plant. We tell you how to do it and what mistakes to avoid to enjoy a beautiful decoration for the holidays.
Holly is not a very demanding plant. However, in order for it to develop healthily and look beautiful, we must take proper care of it. First of all, you need to find a favorable position for him. It is best if the soil in which it grows is slightly acidic, well-drained and fertile.
It is also worth ensuring that the plant is placed in a place protected from the wind, and if the soil is heavy and clayey, add some sand and compost to it. Let’s also remember to water the plant regularly. Especially in the first two seasons after planting it. Then we have to be especially careful not to let it dry out.
In turn, when it comes to fertilization, it should only be done in spring, using the preparation for evergreen plants. Let us also remember that although adult specimens tolerate winter well, young specimens may suffer in colder conditions, therefore it is worth covering them with agrotextile.
Read also:
Sometimes, however, prickly holly wilts and loses its leaves. This is due to a care error, because this specimen like evergreen is exposed to a phenomenon called physiological drought, which most often contributes to the deterioration of holly condition.
Then, when the soil freezes in winter, the roots cannot absorb water, and the leaves still evaporate it intensively under the influence of frosty wind and sun. This causes them to crumble and turn brown. This is often mistaken as a sign of holly disease.
This problem intensifies when we do not ensure proper watering of the plant in late autumn or when we choose the wrong location for the specimenplacing it where it is windy and very sunny. To prevent this, it is worth protecting the holly from the south in winter, and additionally taking care of mulching. We will also make sure that the substrate has the appropriate pH. All these aspects will ensure that the holly survives the winter and will be able to please us with its appearance.
