I have a male and female holly bushes. I live in southern Ontario. Both bushes appear very healthy. I would like to make the female bush fuller and thought pruning it might be the answer. When is the best time to prune?
Holly bushes are usually pruned in winter. This article will help you with the basics: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/trimming-holly-bushes-how-to-prune-holly-bushes.htm
Pruning is basically sculpting the plant. If you are aiming for a round shape, then start shaping them that way. If you need to remove more than a few inches to do this, you may want to take a little off this year and then do more next year, shaping the plants gradually. You should not cut away more than 1/3 in any one year.
There was a holly bush in the yard next door. As they were moving the trailer out of the yard, it broke part of the holly bush off. I was wondering how would you go about getting it to root and start a new plant from it? Can it be done? Thank you. Ken
Yes, it can be done. This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/propagation-of-holly-shrubs-with-holly-seeds-or-cuttings.htm
Hi, is there any way to determine whether a holly shrub/tree is male or female. . . other than if berries are present or not?
Many thanks, Craig :)
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-male-and-female-holly-bush.htm
How long do these produce red berries? Is there a way to save the leaves and berries to use in fresh floral arrangements for a Christmas wedding anniversary? Also, mine are overgrown. How do you cut them back?
Cut the desired foliage and berries and soak them in water overnight. While not always necessary, you can spray them with a coat of fire-resistant spray to keep them fresh and prevent possible issues with fires when placed near heat sources. The color and berries typically last awhile and dried pices can be replaced as needed.
As for the pruning, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/trimming-holly-bushes-how-to-prune-holly-bushes.htm
How can I get my holly bush to produce red berries?
In order to get berries on your bush, you'll need to have both male and female shrubs. These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/holly-bush-no-berries.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-male-and-female-holly-bush.htm
You may have done the same thing that I did ---prune wrong time of the year--also berries grow on 2 year old growth_______for me insult to injury is my neighbor has a tall holly tree that is covered with berries and they totally ignor it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
About a year ago, our area suffered from a late spring freeze and one that severly impacted the new growth on my holly bushes. I pruned off the dead growth and all seemed fine. However, I noticed many of the remaining branches turning yellow. Before I found out I had a scale infestation, I lost several complete bushes and lots of limbs on others. I finally got the scale under control and trimmed off a lot of dead/diseased limbs. Bottom line: Will the hollies that have some of the yellow leaves recover? Do I need to do a severe pruning to get all of them back in good health?
I would wait and see before giving them a severe pruning. They may regrow the leaves in the spring. By late spring, if you do not see signs of leaves regrowing, you may want to try the pruning.
How do I propagate holly from cuttings?
This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/propagation-of-holly-shrubs-with-holly-seeds-or-cuttings.htm