Variegated Holly Water Requirements

American Holly

• Native to the eastern and southern United States, American holly (I. opaca) is a pyramidal, evergreen tree that stays densely branched to ground level. American hollies like moist, well-drained soil. How often you need to water them will depend on the weather and your soil's structure, but as a rule of thumb, give the tree 1 to 2 inches of water whenever the top 3 or 4 inches of soil over the roots feel dry. Never plant American hollies in low areas with constantly wet soil, as they'll develop root rot, a fatal fungal disease. The 20-foot Steward's Silver Crown is a common variegated variety. American hollies are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.

English Holly

• Native to the British Isles, English holly (I. aquifolium) has many variegated cultivars, with both white- and yellow-splotched selections available. Many of the variegated cultivars, such as Monvila, are small and shrubby rather than tall and pyramidal like the species. English hollies require regular weekly watering in most gardens, as they require evenly moist soil. They'll need extra water in unusually hot or windy weather. Like American hollies, they need good drainage and decline rapidly if planted in poorly-drained spots. Hardiness depends on the cultivar, but most English hollies are suitable for plant zones 6 through 8.

Chinese Holly

• One of the most adaptable hollies available, Chinese holly (I. cornuta) is heat- and drought-tolerant and requires supplemental watering only during extended dry spells. Variegated cultivars include the yellow-margined Cajun Gold, the gold-splotched O'Spring, and the white-edged Needlepoint. Best suited for the southern tier of states, Chinese hollies are cold hardy only in plant zones 7 through 9.

Meserve Holly

• The Meserve hollies (I. x meserveae) are a group of hybrids developed for enhanced cold hardiness by New York plant breeder F. Leighton Meserve. Honey Maid and Gretchen are two variegated forms; both have yellow-splotched leaves. Merserve hollies are adaptable to a wide range of soil and moisture conditions, although they grow best in moist, well-drained soil. Water them as you would American hollies, when the top 3 or 4 inches of soil are dry. Hardiness depends on the cultivar, but most Meserve hollies are suitable to at least zone 5.

Japanese Holly

• With their small, spineless leaves and rounded habit, Japanese hollies (I. crenata) make a good substitute for garden areas too sunny for boxwood. Variegata and Midas Touch are two common variegated cultivars. These hollies need evenly moist soil, so water them weekly and give them extra water during drought and high winds. Japanese hollies are hardy in plant zones 6 to 8.