Holly Bushes: A Guide to Planting and Companion Plants
Holly Plants: An Overview
Holly plants are evergreen shrubs or trees that can range in size from small and dainty to large and towering. They are known for their attractive foliage, which can be a deep green, variegated, or even golden. Holly plants are also popular for their berries, which are a favorite food source for birds and other wildlife.
There are many different types of holly plants, each with its own unique characteristics. Some of the most popular types include:
- American holly (Ilex opaca): This is the most common type of holly in North America. It is a large shrub or tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. American holly has dark green leaves and bright red berries.
- English holly (Ilex aquifolium): This type of holly is native to Europe. It is a smaller shrub than American holly, typically growing to a height of 15-30 feet. English holly has glossy green leaves and bright red berries.
- Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta): This type of holly is native to Asia. It is a small shrub that typically grows to a height of 8-15 feet. Chinese holly has dark green leaves and black berries.
Planting Holly Bushes
Holly plants can be planted in a variety of locations, but they prefer well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. They also prefer full sun to partial shade.
When planting a holly bush, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the holly bush in the hole and backfill with soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water the holly bush deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season.
Companion Plants for Holly Bushes
Holly bushes can be planted with a variety of companion plants. Some good choices include:
- Annuals: Annuals are a good choice for planting under holly bushes because they can be easily replaced as needed. Some good annuals for holly bushes include impatiens, geraniums, and begonias.
- Perennials: Perennials are a good choice for planting under holly bushes because they will come back year after year. Some good perennials for holly bushes include hostas, daylilies, and ferns.
- Shrubs: Shrubs can be a good choice for planting around holly bushes to create a more diverse landscape. Some good shrubs for holly bushes include boxwood, viburnum, and rhododendrons.
Benefits of Planting Under Holly Bushes
There are many benefits to planting under holly bushes. Some of these benefits include:
- Reduced maintenance: Holly bushes are relatively low-maintenance plants, and planting under them can help to reduce the amount of weeding and watering that is needed.
- Improved soil quality: Holly bushes help to improve the soil quality by adding organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
- Increased wildlife habitat: Holly bushes provide food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, squirrels, and rabbits.
- Attractive landscaping: Holly bushes can be used to create a variety of attractive landscaping features, such as hedges, borders, and focal points.
Challenges of Planting Under Holly Bushes
There are also some challenges to planting under holly bushes. Some of these challenges include:
- Limited sunlight: Holly bushes can block out a lot of sunlight, which can make it difficult to grow other plants underneath them.
- Shallow roots: Holly bushes have shallow roots, which can make them susceptible to drought and wind damage.
- Spreading roots: Holly bushes can spread their roots widely, which can make it difficult to plant other plants nearby.
Tips for Planting Under Holly Bushes
Here are a few tips for planting under holly bushes:
- Choose plants that are tolerant of shade and drought.
- Plant in well-drained soil that is slightly acidic.
- Water regularly, especially during the first growing season.
- Mulch around the holly bush to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune the holly bush regularly to keep it from getting too large and blocking out sunlight.
With a little care and attention, you can successfully plant and grow a variety of plants under holly bushes.
