I have a large holly shrub, which is quickly dying. Large portions of it have turned brown. It is near a tree, Japanese maple I think, that has a fungus on a large portion of it. I don't know if the 2 are related. What should I do with the holly shrub and the tree fungus?
Yes, it could be related. A fungus that is attacking the tree may spread to attack the holly. Treat both plants with a fungicide.
That being said, they could also be unrelated. If the fungicide does not clear it up, check the roots of the holly for damage.
Our holly bush has a white grainy coating on the stems and branches. Could this be a type of fungus? It's not on the entire bush. Thank you for your reply.
It is possible that it is scale or mealybugs. I like to treat both with neem oil. It is very effective and safe. These articles will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/mealybugs-white-residue-on-plants-leaves.htm
Can you suggest a Holly that does not get too big, for a foundation planting. Also, can I get flowers if I do not mix male and female plants? Don't want the mess birds make. Desire flowers but not berries. Thank you.
Look for true Dwarf varieties of Holly.
Even if you do not plant both a male and female Holly if your neighbors have Holly's they may still pollinate and produce berries.
They can be planted quite a distance apart.
Here are some links to help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/growing-holly-bushes.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-male-and-female-holly-bush.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/common-types-of-holly.htm
My holly bush has white flowers on it. Before this it had red berries. Is this usual?
Hollies bloom in the springtime and then produce the berries in the fall.
Depending on the variety and the microclimate hollies may produce flowers any time between spring and early summer, though in warmer areas they will bloom earlier.
The flowers can be small and some may not even notice them.
What is the difference between an American holly and an English holly? I am being told that the berries on the American holly are above the leaves and that on the English holly they are below the leaves. Is this correct?
The differences can be subtle.
English Holly leaves are a deep green and glossy.
American Holly is a more yellow green color and are a dull finish.
If the leaves are variegated they are English.
English Holly leaves curl under a bit and American Hollies are flat with spines that stick straight out.
English Holly can grow 15 to 20 feet tall with a very dense growing form. American Holly can grow up to 60 feet and will have a more openly spaced canopy.
The berries are not really an indicator.
All of a sudden this last week our holly tree is dropping its leaves. We've had it for for years with no problems. Any idea?
Sudden leaf drop is likely an infestation or disease issue.
I've included a link that may help you determine the exact issue.
If you determine the cause, use the treatment as listed.
If you are unable to determine a cause, treat the plant with Neem Oil. Neem Oil works as both an insecticide and fungicide.
Remove and dispose of the dead leaves around the plant.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
I do want to mention that it is possible that plants can be affected by accidental herbicide overspray. If neighbors or even lawn companies have recently sprayed, this could be a possibility. In this case other plants would show the same symptoms.
Spiders seem to be on my plants and leaves have black spots.
You may have a Spider Mites infestation.
The leaf damage could also be caused by a few different issues including Leaf Spot disease.
Here are some links to help you.