How many different types of holly are there?

Holly/Lower classifications

Which holly bush grows the fastest?

The fastest growing holly tree is the Nellie Stevens holly. As mentioned, the Nellie Stevens Holly grows about 3 feet per year. Compared to the American Holly and the Dragon Lady Holly, which both usually only grow a few inches each year, the Nellie Stevens holly grows very quickly.

How do you identify a holly?

It has alternate, oval or elliptic leaves. They are stiff and leathery with a shiny dark green colour above and paler below. Typically, the leaves have sharp spines up to a height of a few metres. Above this, where they are not in danger of being browsed by animals, they have smooth edges.

Where is the best place to plant a holly bush?

full sun
The best location for planting holly bushes is in well-drained but not dry, slightly acidic soil in full sun. That being said, most hollies are very tolerant of less than ideal locations and will grow well in part shade or dry or swampy soil.

What is the difference between English holly and American holly?

English holly has a deep green color and glossy finish. American holly leaves are a lighter, yellow-green with a dull sheen. Variegated leaves, ever popular during the holidays, indicate English holly.

What is the best holly tree?

  • 01 of 05. ‘Blue Princess’ Holly (lIex x meserveae ‘Blue Princess’) The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova. …
  • 02 of 05. ‘Hetz’ Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Hetzii’) Dalgial / Wikimedia Commons / CC-SA 3.0. …
  • 03 of 05. ‘Sky Pencil’ Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’) …
  • 04 of 05. Inkberry (Ilex glabra) …
  • 05 of 05. Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

How do you make holly grow faster?

Fertilizing Holly Bushes

Compost or well-rotted livestock manure makes excellent (and often free) slow-release fertilizers that continue to feed the plant throughout the season. A complete fertilizer that contains eight to ten percent nitrogen is another good choice.

Is Blue Prince holly fast growing?

‘Blue Princess’ has a moderate growth rate compared to other hollies, adding one to two feet per year. Its leaves are glossy, dark green with a bluish cast and moderately spiny.

How fast does Nellie Stevens holly grow?

three feet in one year
How fast does Nellie Stevens holly grow? Nellie Stevens holly can grow up to three feet in one year.

What is the best holly for a hedge?

Holly Varieties for Hedges and Screens

Tight growers such as Japanese hollies and Meserve hollies (also known as blue hollies) make good hedges, as do English hollies, whose spiny leaves provide a useful barrier. For a thick, dense hedge, prune regularly.

How can I tell if my holly is male or female?

Male holly flowers have four yellow stamens extending from the center of the flower. By contrast, each female bloom has a green ovary (that is, a green “bump” in the center of its bloom). 3.

Is Blue Prince holly male or female?

male
BLUE PRINCE is a male Meserve holly that typically matures to 8-12′ tall. It is a dense shrub featuring purplish stems and dark blue-green leaves with spiny-toothed margins.

How tall does a blue Princess holly get?

8 to 10 ft. tall
Moderate growing; reaches 8 to 10 ft. tall, 6 to 8 ft. wide. This Holly’s unique, blue green foliage and purple stems create a lovely backdrop for white and silver colored plants.

Do holly bushes need to be planted in pairs?

Numerous shrubs produce berries, many of which using both male and female flowers on the same plant. However, some shrubs– like holly— are dioecious, meaning they require separate male and female plants in order for pollination to occur.

When should holly bushes be trimmed?

So for best outcome and to ensure your hollies aren’t unduly stressed, wait until late winter or early spring — just as the plant breaks dormancy — before you do any major downsizing. By waiting till your hollies are about to begin active growth, you’ll also avoid several months of a skeleton appearance.

Why are some holly leaves not spiky?

Because the trees respond to damage by producing spines – not because of the height. Damage is more common lower down, so spines too are more common lower down.

Are holly trees poisonous to dogs?

Holly: Varieties include American holly, English holly, Japanese holly, and Christmas holly. Although some are less toxic than others, it is best to keep your dog away from any variety. Eating the leaves can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal injury due to the plant’s spiny leaves.

How do I protect my holly bushes in the winter?

Construct a wind barrier to protect hollies from harsh winds and sunscald. Install three wooden stakes around the holly, then wrap burlap around the stakes. Leave the top open, and leave an opening for air to circulate around the tree, but be sure the burlap protects the holly from prevailing winds.