I have a holly bush near a walkway. As it has grown larger, it is beginning to overtake the walk. Is it possible to cut back a holly bush and still maintain its green lush look or is cutting into a holly bush like cutting an evergreen where new grown is only from the ends? When is the best time to do this cut back?
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/trimming-holly-bushes-how-to-prune-holly-bushes.htm
I have questions on the China Doll boy and girl. I've been told you need two plants to thrive. I have two in containers outside. They are healthy. What else do I need to know?
Stick with two similar varieties of male and female plants (as you have done). When planting holly shrubs, place them in full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. The best time for planting holly shrubs is fall, although spring is also suitable depending on your particular region. Warmer climates benefit from fall planting so their roots have plenty of time to take hold before the onset of hot, dry summers. Hollies should be spaced 2-3 feet apart, depending on the variety used and overall size. Most types of holly shrubs have shallow root systems so add mulch. Holly shrubs can also benefit from occasional pruning to enhance their appearance.
I have a holly bush, which is 12 feet tall. While pruning, I noticed that the inner leaves are totally covered in black mold. There are also a few white spots here and there. Is there anything I can do about this or do I have to scrap the bush?
It may have a bit of sooty mold. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
My holly bushes have black leaves which become dead.
The plant has sooty mold. This article will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm
This spring I planted a new Silver Queen holly hedge from little pot grown plants. The planting instructions said not to prune them immediately. But when should I start to prune or trim them? And should I prune the leading stems or just the laterals?
You will want to give them a year to establish themselves before pruning. Here is an article on pruning holly: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/trimming-holly-bushes-how-to-prune-holly-bushes.htm
Can you start a holly bush from a cutting?
Yes, you can. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/holly-cuttings.htm
I have a fairly new holly bush that was planted a couple of months ago (in May). I have tried to make sure that I water it some when we haven't had much rain. However, the bottom leaves of the bush are much darker and drier than those on the ends of the branches near the top. Some of the bottom leaves are starting to fall off. It doesn't appear that any animals or bugs have been eating at the leaves. What should I do? I've read that holly bushes should usually be pruned in the winter when they're dormant, but should I remove some of the darker, drier leaves? I don't want this bush to die already since it was just recently planted, so I am asking for some help in knowing how to keep it alive and pretty.
I would increase watering. New shrubs need significant amounts of water for the first year to establish well. I would not worry about pruning it at this time as this could further stress the plant.