American holly , also known as red-fruited holly, is a highly adaptable and ornamental evergreen shrub , making it very popular in the market. So how do you cultivate American holly successfully? What are the planting methods? Let's find out below.
1. Site selection for planting
North American holly prefers a sunny, well-ventilated, and moist environment. It can be planted in sunny, sheltered, and well-drained places, and is generally suitable for planting in courtyards, parks, roadsides, and sidewalk edges.
2. Prepare the soil
North American holly prefers fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil, and can also adapt to slightly alkaline soil. It can generally be prepared by mixing garden soil, leaf mold, peat moss, and sand, and adding an appropriate amount of organic fertilizer to increase soil fertility.
3. Planting in pits
Depending on the size of the seedling, dig a planting hole of suitable size, usually the depth of the seedling's roots. Then place the seedling in the planting hole, ensuring full contact between its roots and the soil, and gradually add necessary nutrients such as fertilizer and water. Finally, fill the planting hole with soil, gently compact it, and water it to keep it moist.
4. Lighting control
North American holly prefers plenty of sunlight, but it is also somewhat shade-tolerant. However, it is still recommended to plant it outdoors in a well-lit location so that the plant will grow stronger and produce more fruit. Potted plants can be placed on a south-facing balcony or near a window.
5. Water and fertilizer management
In the first year after planting, apply top dressing 1-2 times according to the plant's growth and cover with straw to increase soil moisture and organic matter. Before the plants shed their leaves in winter, apply sufficient base fertilizer, such as 50g of cake fertilizer or other organic fertilizer per plant. At the same time, watering should be done in conjunction with fertilization. North American holly is tolerant of waterlogging but not drought, so generally keep the soil moist when watering.
6. Pruning Points
North American holly grows quite vigorously, so it still needs proper pruning. If planted in the ground, simply prune away diseased, weak, and suckering branches. If potted, excessively tall branches will detract from its appearance, so it's necessary to shorten the branches appropriately.
