Need advice on holly bushes

[ducks4you]

Took the plunge and bought 4 hollys, on sale, about a month ago. ALL are doing well but I haven't transplanted any yet. I have 3 China Girls and one male holly, forgot what kind. I understand that Fall planting is good for them. Does anybody here grow holly? Do they prefer full sun, or can I get away with just sun for 1/2 a day. I intend to plant them all close to my house, and the ground slopes away, so they will have good drainage.
Any advice would be appreciated bc I understand they won't enjoy being uprooted once they are established in a spot. Thanks!

 

[thistlebloom]

You can get away with half day sun, but generally hollies like full sun. I've seen them grow in bright shade too, and they're just a little rangier. They aren't hard to grow. Your's should do just fine.

 

[journey11]

My MIL's were in part-shade and they did great. Lots of berries, healthy. They like acidic soil, like blueberries do. Turn in some soil sulfur when you plant them and don't fertilize until next spring. Tender new growth shouldn't be encouraged this late in the year.

 

[thistlebloom]

They do prefer acidic soil, but the ones I take care of get nothing extra, and I do mean nothing, other than a general purpose fert in the spring along with the other shrubbery. Maybe they'd do fantastically better if I did apply some Hollytone or similar.
But they are glossy and healthy, growing enough to require me to hedge them 3 times a season.
I don't know the variety, but I think overall that hollies are pretty trouble free and easy growers.

 

[Smart Red]

Mine grew very well in partial shade -- sun mostly in the afternoon.

 

[ducks4you]

I like these answers--THANKS!! I bought each of them for a song, $2/each for the China Girls and $5 for the male holly. Does anybody know if they will cross pollinate?...or do I have walk outside and look for the tag on the male holly? =b

 

[thistlebloom]

Boy, you got a real deal!
As far as pollination goes, it's not strictly necessary to have the same variety, it all depends on just what specific variety you have.

Just for grins what is the male? And on the tag it should say "Ilex attenuata" or I. verticillata....etc, then the named variety
"China Doll" or whatever.

 

[ducks4you]

Ok, you got me to walk outside--WHAT a burden!
I pulled two tags. The girls are:
China Girl Holly, Ilex x 'Mesog'
Small, clear white flowers appear in late spring. Pollinate with a male holly. Early Spring: Shape (prune), if necessary
3'-4' tall x 3'-4' wide

Holly Blue Boy #1, Ilex x meserveae 'Blue Boy'
Broadleaf evergreen holly shrub with glossy, blue-green leaves. Blooms during the summer Male plants do not produce red berries but are needed for pollination of female plants.
12' tall to 8' wide

I also found this online:
"Step 2 – Find a Good Location

Holly bushes thrive with plenty of sun. Choose a spot where it won’t be overshadowed by the house or other trees. A location with acidic soil is best, though they are a resilient plant wherever you place them. Also, be aware of nearby structures and any sort of pipes and lines underground. Holly roots grow strong and spread wide, and can cause damage if planted near a sidewalk, too close to the house or above pipes and power lines. If necessary, contact a utility locating service to find the safest place to plant."
http://www.doityourself.com/stry/planting-and-taking-care-of-a-holly-bush#.U_4D12Px_To#ixzz3Bbrs0rxl

I was thinking about planting them next to my house, BUT, I have one acre/5 that I can/want to landscape--the horses mow the other 4 acres--so I can pick about any spot. Do you think I should "Call J.U.L.I.E.", like I did before I dug a hole this Spring for my Magnolia tree, so that I don't interfere with gas and electric?

 

[canesisters]

Wouldn't hurt. Here they do it for free.

The name made me giggle - here it's 'MISS UTILITY'

 

[ducks4you]

Here, too, free. They just don't always tell you that it's the law, and you are culpable if you knock out somebody's power. I think I'll call, just to be safe.
Maybe I should put them along the old cattle fencing that I'm pulling up? It's a good 50 ft long and about 12 feet from the street.