I have a huge holly bush in a tub that's approx. 24 in. across and 18 in. deep. The type of holly bush not known, but it is healthy. However, it seems to be very pot bound. What I was wondering as it already has berries forming, am I ok to repot it? Any advice would be a big help.
If you repot it at this time, it will likely lose its berries. But, if you feel it is truly pot bound, waiting until it is the right time to repot it could be too late.
Anytime you repot a plant, it is stressful to the plant. It will have at least a little shock and the fruit of the plant is typically the first to suffer for this - i.e. the plant drops the fruit.
But if you wait, the plant could become stunted in the long run if its roots can't take up enough water or nutrients.
So it comes down to a matter of short term beauty or long term health.
How far back can you prune a holly? I have several holly shrub around a house I just bought. The Holly are about 10 feet tall and even bigger around. I would like to trim them back, but don't know how far I can go without killing them. And when should I do this. Any help would be nice. Thank you
While most pruning is done in December, you can still prune now but it may affect the number of berries produced this year. Hollies, as with most shrubs, can be pruned back by a third of their growth. Any more than that will likely harm the plants. This article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/trimming-holly-bushes-how-to-prune-holly-bushes.htm
My Holly Bush has white on the underside of the leaves. I have 2 holly bushes, one has white chalky marks on the underside of the leaves, and a bit on the stems. What is this and how can I treat it? Thanks.
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/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/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
If it's powdery, it is likely powdery mildew. Powdery mildew is caused by fungus that attack Holly leaves, sometimes covering them entirely with a thin white powdery coating. For more information, here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/get-the-cure-for-powdery-mildew.htm
My holly has been full of berries, but suddenly the berries are turning black and dying. Is there anything I can do to stop this?
Usually if the berries start to have problems, it is because the plant is stressed, and it is trying to preserve itself. Check to see if the plant is too dry. These shrubs require more watering during fruiting and if they do not get enough, the plant will abort its berries. I would also check for pests that could be attributing to this as well.
My hollies have white spots all over them. Is this a fungus? How can I get it fixed?
Are the spots powdery in nature. If so, it is is powdery mildew and can be treated with neem oil. Here is more info: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/get-the-cure-for-powdery-mildew.htm https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
In addition, it could be scale or mealybugs, which can also be treated with neem oil. These articles should help: 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
Is it ok to move small holly trees about 12 inches high?
Make sure to dig up as much of the root system and surrounding soil (which helps keep the roots intact) as possible and give it some bone meal to help boost phosphorus, which helps with root development. This article should help as well: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/learn-how-to-avoid-and-repair-transplant-shock-in-plants.htm
This has killed two of my shrubs and has spread to the other four. How do I get rid of it?
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/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/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
If the spots are powdery in nature, then it may be powdery mildew, which neem oil will help with as well.