Holly Bush: what to do with it?

[Stubbornhillfarm]

I have two holly bushes that we have had at our house for 7-8 years. One has always had a rough time. The other one looks great. I have moved the one that has a rough time as I thought the first location was not good. Well...unfortunately, it looks like it was winter killed. The leaves are all dry and pale no gloss to them. There are very, very few; maybe two stems with a couple of leaves that are brilliant shiny green. So I know part of it is still alive.

What should I do? I obviously have to move it again, as I just think it is too windy and it is not sheltered. The other one has a bit of a wind break from 3 aboratives.

I'll try and take pics tonight if I get home before dark.

 

[NwMtGardener]

Oh that sucks, hollies are so pretty! I *think* hollies are on of those plants where, if you want to get nice red berries, you have to have a male and female, someone correct me if i'm wrong? So that may help you decide whether to try and save it...

 

[vfem]

I wish I could be of help, but I know nothing about hollys. I have 8 growing HUGE and shaded at the back of my property. I do nothing with them since they are so healthy and happy where they are.

I know they like acidic soil... have you check your soil's ph?

 

[lesa]

Yes, you need a male and a female to make the berries... not sure if that is the problem here. I always hate getting stabbed by those sharp leaves in the dirt...

 

[thistlebloom]

I think you should cut your losses and yank it. Alternatively, you could prune it back to live tissue ( after last freeze date ) and live with an ugly bush for several years until it grew out again.

I know which I'd choose.

There was a time I saved everything and took everybody's castoffs and discards. Now I figure life's too short and unless it's something that grows fast enough to make living with the uglies worthwhile, I'm pragmatic.

 

[lesa]

I like the way you think, Thistle!

 

[Stubbornhillfarm]

Thanks all. Yes, I do have a male and female. This is the male. The other has beautiful bright red berries on it right now. I am thinking that I may prune it down to live wood and replant it somewhere. I have enough land to just put it somewhere out of the way and then purchase another one and try to find a spot that it will be sheltered a bit. I wonder how close the male and female have to be in order for the production of berries?

 

[catjac1975]

Oh that sucks, hollies are so pretty! I *think* hollies are on of those plants where, if you want to get nice red berries, you have to have a male and female, someone correct me if i'm wrong? So that may help you decide whether to try and save it...

Some of the new cultivars do not need a male and a female. They also prefer at least a bit of shade. I have a beauty that needs to be moved. It has been there about 8 years-do you think it is movable?

 

[thistlebloom]

If you think it was windburn that winter killed it, there are anti desiccant sprays you can apply in fall to keep the leaves from dehydrating.
I have applied them to Rhodies in exposed positions, and they work well.

 

[chris09]

If you think it was windburn that winter killed it, there are anti desiccant sprays you can apply in fall to keep the leaves from dehydrating.
I have applied them to Rhodies in exposed positions, and they work well.

Bonide puts one out called Wilt Stop. It works well.

Chris