My Holly Bush Is Not Thriving

Zones and Sun

• Make sure your holly bush is suitable for your hardiness zone and is planted in the proper site in your yard. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s map of plant hardiness zones shows the hardiness rating plants need to thrive in the area where you live. Most holly bushes are compatible with zones 6 to 9 or 7 to 10. They also typically need sun or partial shade. If your bush is planted in the shade outside the recommended zones, this could be the cause of your problems.

Moisture

• While hollies like well-drained soil, they also like to remain hydrated, so water them regularly. You can help the soil around your holly bush retain moisture by adding several inches of mulch around the plant. “Holly foliage can be damaged by wind and dry conditions, especially if the plant is in an exposed site,” notes University of Rhode Island master gardener Cheryl Cadwell. She adds that drying out can present significant problems for young holly shrubs.

Berries

• If your holly plant is not producing berries, you may not have the proper type of shrubs. Holly bushes require a mixture of male and female plants to produce berries. Cadwell recommends one male plant for every five to 10 female shrubs. Make sure the plants are the same variety so they can bloom at the same time, enabling the exchange of pollen. Also, be careful not to overfertilize your shrubs. Adding too much nitrogen to the soil can limit berry production.

Insects

• Leafminers are a common pest problem for hollies, according to Clemson Cooperative Extension. When these fly larvae hatch, they tunnel through the leaves of the holly plant, causing yellowish-brown blotches. You can handpick and destroy infested leaves if you have a small leafminer problem, or use an insecticide to combat larger infestations or prevent future attacks. Scale insects also target hollies, sucking sap from leaves and stems after piercing these surfaces. Small scale outbreaks can be removed by hand, while larger infestations can be treated with horticultural oil. Follow all product instructions when applying oils or insecticides.