By Julie Christensen
American holly trees(Ilex opaca)were valued long before Europeans arrived . Native Americans dry the berries and used them for button or medallion . They also used the hard Sir Henry Joseph Wood for various purposes . In the landscape painting , American holly trees make excellent specimen tree diagram , hedgerow or street trees . Although they can grow to 60 feet marvelous , they commonly remain under 20 or 30 feet . These evergreen tree diagram have an attractive pyramidal form . The leaves are lustrous and promising green , with a traditional holly shape and setose edge . Small , white blossom in outpouring are follow by clusters of promising - red fruit in the fall . The fruit remains on the trees through the winter and is attractive to wildlife and birds , although it is toxic to humanity . American holly Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree are dioecian , so be certain to implant a manly tree as well as a female person to ensure fruit output .
Planting American Holly Tree
Plant American holly trees in spring through summertime from potted nursery flora . This tree is hardy in USDA works hardiness zone 5 through 9 . choose a location for American holly with partial to full sun . Although wild holly Tree often arise as understory trees in fond shade , the distaff trees will produce better fruit if they ’re planted in full Sunday .
Plant American holly in moist , well - drain soil with a pH below 6.5 . Before constitute American holly tree , dig compost or peat moss into the filth to meliorate drainage . Amend alkaline soils with sulfur and use acidifying fertiliser . Dig a hole as bass as the root chunk , and at least doubly as wide . take out the plant from its pot and set it gently in the hole . fulfill the hole one-half full of soil and add two gallons of body of water . Let the water run out and add the remaining soil , tamp it down steadfastly .
water system a fresh planted tree at least weekly , or as often as needed to keep the grunge consistently moist , but not inert . Once establish , American holly tree diagram can stomach mild drouth . In consistently dry conditions , they ’ll bring forth few yield and the foliage may become thin .
American holly tree spring up quite slowly . It ’s not rare for a tree diagram to grow only 20 to 30 foot in 40 years . The trees may not need any fertilizer , especially if they ’re planted in a fertilized lawn , but you may apply an acidifying fertilizer in outflow , according to package directions .
Pests and Problems
The most common insect pests that afflict American holly include scale insects and wanderer mites . Both these insects cause wilting , or speckled or speckled farewell . Treat small tree with insecticidal soap or crude oil . orotund trees are difficult to treat , but the damage is usually meek .
American holly tree diagram have from several fungal and bacterial foliage stain and canker . In most cases , these diseases are n’t serious . To prevent diseases , keep the tree level-headed through adequate watering . crease up foliage bedding material and toss promptly . Make indisputable American holly is imbed in moist , but well draining filth to reduce the risk of root putrefaction .
On alkaline soils , American holly trees develop atomic number 26 greensickness , which appears when the tree ca n’t get at iron from the soil . The main symptom is jaundiced leave with light-green veins . To prevent this trouble , avoid plant American holly corner on soils with a pH above 6.5 . you may also lour the soil pH with S and acidifying fertilizers .
Harsh wintertime atmospheric condition can cause the plants to become scorched and embrown . If you know in the north , plant life American holly trees in an orbit protect from boisterous wind and bright winter sunlight .
American Holly Varieties
For more information on growing American holly tree , shoot the breeze the following links :
American Hollyfrom North Carolina State University extension service
American Hollyfrom the Fairfax County Public Schools
American Hollyon YouTube .
Julie Christensen learned about garden on her granddaddy ’s farm and female parent ’s vegetable garden in southern Idaho . Today , she live and gardens on the in high spirits knit of Colorado . When she ’s not digging in the dirt , Julie writes about intellectual nourishment , education , parenting and horticulture .
