koehne holly

The Koehne Holly (Ilex koehneana 'San Jose') is a low-maintenance, versatile hedge plant that is often used for screening and year-round foliage in gardens. This plant is drought tolerant once it is established, however during the establishment period, it should be watered regularly and consistently. During the plant's establishment period (6 weeks after planting or until the plant is established), it should be watered 2-3 times per week, about 1-2 inches of water each time. During summer months, when the plant is more likely to be stressed by heat and drought, water it 3-4 times per week, to ensure that the soil is moistened sufficiently. Once established, the Koehne Holly should be watered only when the top inch of soil becomes dry. This can usually be determined by pushing your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil is dry, it is time to water the plant. In general, an inch of water per week is enough to keep the plant healthy and growing, however this amount may need to be increased during periods of drought.

Koehne Holly (Ilex koehneana 'San Jose') requires full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. It should receive 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, preferably in the morning and early afternoon. During the peak of summer, direct sun exposure should be limited, especially in warm-summer areas. In areas with milder climates, direct sun can be enjoyed year-round. If the plant does not receive enough sunlight, its growth can be stunted and the foliage may become pale and dull.

Koehne holly (Ilex koehneana 'San Jose') should be pruned to shape and control growth in early spring before it buds out (around March in areas with mild winters). If it grows too tall or wide, you may need to prune it more heavily. Be sure to avoid shearing or topping (that is, cutting the top off of the plant) as this will encourage the plant to produce long stems and sparse foliage. Instead, prune selectively as you would a shrub, removing branches back to a junction low on the plant. When pruning a koehne holly, you should remove no more than 1 third of the plant's total foliage, as this will limit growth while encouraging the shrub to produce strong, healthy growth.