holly

Holly (Ilex 'Rock Garden') should be watered once a week or as needed. Check the soil's dryness by sticking your finger into the soil, and water only if the top 2 inches beneath the surface are dry. Give the holly about an inch of water each time. To prevent excessive water, use a soaker hose or drip irrigation system. Water in the morning to reduce the risk of mildew. During extremely hot weather, you may need to water the holly twice a week. During colder months, you should reduce the amount of water to every few weeks or when needed.

Holly (Ilex 'Rock Garden') plants prefer to receive full sun for best growth. It typically requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day during ideal growing conditions. It will tolerate partial shade, but the more sunlight received will produce healthier leaves and more flowers. Plant your holly in an area that receives sun in the morning, and the sun will be at its best due to its angle of sunlight. If planted where it receives afternoon sun, the plant should benefit from some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Holly (Ilex 'Rock Garden') should be pruned twice a year; once in the winter and again in the summer. For winter pruning, take off any dead, diseased, or crossing branches in late winter or early spring and cut back any overly long stems. For summer pruning, you can lightly trim the plant by cutting back some of the new growth to thicken the foliage and promote branching. Be sure to use sanitized pruning tools and practice proper pruning techniques (dipping the pruning tool in rubbing alcohol before and after each cut).