holly

Water Holly (Ilex aquipernyi 'Meschick' DRAGON LADY) once or twice a week. The precise amount of water depends on the conditions like temperature, soil type and the amount of sun and shade the plant receives. Generally, it should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Provide a deep soaking to ensure that water penetrates the root zone. Take care not to over water, as wet feet for hollies can lead to root rot and decline. In periods of extreme heat, water more often to prevent drought stress.

Holly plants require full sunlight for at least 6 hours of the day for optimal growth and appearance. It can tolerate partial shade, but the foliage may become more sparse or not perform as vibrantly in that situation. For best results, the dragon lady holly (Ilex aqulprenyi 'Meschick') should be placed in an area where it will receive full sunlight all day in the spring and summer and at least 6 hours of sunlight in the fall and winter months.

Holly should be pruned once a year, in late winter or early spring. Pruning should involve cutting out any dead or diseased branches, as well as any branches that are crossing or too close together. Branch lengths should be trimmed to give the plant a more uniform shape and to maintain a desirable size. The pruning cuts should be no more than 1 third of the holly’s total height. Make sure to always use sharp and clean pruning tools.