this year. Today, after a hard rain, I notice that they have dropped old leaves at an alarming rate. What is wrong? We live in East TN where the weather has been hot and I have not watered them as often as I should. Maybe this would cause the leaf drop? Generally, the leaves look to be lightening instead of being deep green and some have dark spots...not necessarily shriveled or brown, but just touching a stem will knock often several leaves....the older leaves, not the new growth. Also, I have sprayed them for insects and fungus. Drainage is good as well. Plants are about three or four years old.
It is likely stress related from the lack of water and hot days. Plants in containers are more vulnerable than those in the ground. Leaf scorch can also be a possibility, along with holly leaf spot. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/leaf-scorching-in-holly.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/holly-leaf-loss-in-spring.htm
I’m trying to mimic an area that is in the sun that has holly bushes. Can anyone suggest shrubs/bushes that look like holly that can grow in a mostly shady area?
Many Holly shrubs can grow in shade, as well! The American Holly is known for being a woodland shrub, so it is native to shaded areas.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/american-holly-trees.htm
od. I have put ironite under and around the tree and wat ering it well. I will attach a photo and if anyone can help it would be much appreciated. Thanks.
If it has not been fed during this time, then I suspect that soil fertility may be low. You can test for these factors.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-moisture-in-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/test-soil-for-pests-and-diseases.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/making-sure-soil-drains-well.htm
This collection of articles will help you to grow your shrub to its potential:
My very young holly tree has berries,but they are white. Will they turn red?
It depends. Some have white berries, some have red berries, and some have green or yellow berries. It will all come down to what type that you have.
Thank you BushDoctor, so if the berries are white now will they not change colour. Sorry if I sound a bit dim, I'm not a brilliant gardener, but I've always wanted a holly tree with lovely red berries to look Christmassy? over the season. I don't know type of holly free it is. Thank you again.
I have had the soil tested and removed all mulch from around the roots, but my tree loses leaves every spring and there is no new growth. It looks very thin but otherwise healthy. Is there anything I can do?
Shearing the tree in early spring should stimulate new growth. Remove any dead or broken stems at any time during the year. Also, if you haven't been fertilizing with Holly-tone, that may help it to rejuvenate.
I have two holly bushes - one 'male' and one 'female.' One of the bushes was moved and relocated - still near the other one, but has since started to die. Question: can the healthy one survive without the other one?
Yes, it can survive without the other one. The purpose of the male and female plants is just to get berries.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/growing-holly-bushes.htm
My holly had some leaves turning brown which I pruned. Now I see the bark looks sick?? Is this root rot? Should I cut the whole thing down or wait until spring?
Unfortunately, your photos did not come through. I am unable to see the damage. It does sound quite a bit like root rot, but it could be canker, as well. You may be able to treat some with a fungicide, but it will not likely cure the issue at hand. Destroying the shrubs may be the best option for the long run.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/root-rot-in-garden-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm