American holly

American holly plants should be watered regularly, but not too heavily. Depending on your soil type and climate, an American holly should receive between 1-2 inches of water per week. When watering, it is best to do so in the mornings so the leaves and root systems have time to dry before evening. In hot or dryer climates, water even more. Keep an eye on the soil to ensure it is not drying out too quickly and adjust the amount of water accordingly. As a general rule, water deeply and slowly so that the water can reach the roots of the plant.

American holly prefers full sunlight, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day. However, it will tolerate some shade, so less than 6 hours is acceptable. To ensure optimal growth it is ideal to place the plant in an area that receives full sun throughout the morning and late afternoon. However, avoid direct exposure to the hot, midday sun as this could scald the foliage. The optimum temperature range for American holly is between 60°F and 90°F (16°C – 32°C). In cooler temperatures, some leaf damage may occur and in temperatures below 50°F (10°C), the plant can suffer severe damage.

American holly (Ilex opaca 'McDonald') should generally be pruned in late winter or early spring. Pruning should focus on the shape and size, as well as maintenance. To give the tree it's desired shape, start by removing any damaged, diseased, or dead branches. This should be done back to a lateral branch. After this, remove any crossed branches, branches that are growing in the same direction, and any branches that are growing inward. If the American Holly is too large for the desired location, remove a portion of the large branches so the desired size is reached. This should be done gradually over a few years to avoid removing too much at once. Finally, trim back any long shoots or sprouts to keep the desired shape. To finish, remove any awkward or misplaced branches that don’t follow the desired shape.