![]() This will eventually make the holly bushier.Īlways make sure that the tools are sterilized as any contamination can cause infections. When pruning the sides, focus on the branches that are leaving out and pinch the tips off. When trimming to control the height, do not cut more than a third of its growth. ![]() You can prune both the top and the sides. Winter is the best time for pruning as the plant is not actively growing. The trimming helps the holly to gain stability and to have sturdier stems that will support the growth. PruningĪlthough this shrub retains its elegant form without pruning, some light trimming is often beneficial, especially when it is still young. There is also a high risk of root rot from this method. The propagation from seed, which comes from the holly berry, is difficult, and the seed germination is very slow, up to three years. Keep the nursery container moist and water frequently, not allowing the rooting medium to be fully dry. Make sure that you press the soil thoroughly. You should put around half of the length of the stem in the potting mix. Dip the bottom part of the branch in plant rooting hormones and then place it in a container with a mixture of soil and sand. Once you cut the branch, remove the bottom leaves, and carefully scrape some of the bark from the base. It has immature leaves at the tip and mature leaves at the base. An ideal branch for cutting is new and soft. Softwood cuttings are taken in late spring. The most reliable method for propagation is from softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Forced growth by fertilizers often are weak and makes the plant more susceptible to deceases. Avoid using nitrogen-rich fertilizers that would force the plant to grow rapidly. Four to six inches of vertical growth per is standard for a well-established plant. Don’t worry if you don’t see fast growth during the early years. There is no need for fertilizing during the first year of the life of your new holly. Water the plant thoroughly after applying the fertilizer. ![]() If you believe that your plant needs a bit of help, you can use an all-purpose, slow-release balanced fertilizer once a year, during spring. Normally the Sky Pencil Holly does not need fertilizing if you have planted it in fertile organic soil and have put some mulch around it. Lack of water results in the plant becoming brown. If they seem lighter or pale, this may be a sign of overwatering. One way to tell if you are overwatering is to check the color of the leaves. If you live in a hot area, water slightly more frequently. ![]() The recommendation is to use 5 gallons of water per week, equivalent to 1 inch of rainfall. The soil should be dry about one inch down before any watering. These plants only need watering during dry spells once they are established. Soggy soil will increase the risk of rotting or fungal infections. Make sure that the soil is just moist and not soggy. WateringĪ new Sky Pencil Holly requires frequent watering until the roots are well established. Also, if there is heavy snow, tie the branches to prevent them from splaying out horizontally. Protect the Sky Pencil from any strong winds, especially if the temperatures are on the lower side. If you live in Zone 5, it may be better to plant the holly in a container that you can move indoors during the bitter winter months. These hollies can tolerate temperate down to -20F if they are healthy and well established. A south or west-facing side of the house is best as these directions receive long hours of sunshine. If you live quite up north, near zone 5, full sun is necessary. As a rule of thumb, if you can see the sky when you look up, without tree branches or other structures that significantly block the view, they will grow well, even without direct sun. Sky Pencils in these zones can also tolerate partial shade however, they will grow slower under such conditions. If you live in USDA zone 6 or 7, full sun will be beneficial to promote growth. If you live in an area with very bright sun, such as USDA hardiness zone 8 and higher, you may want to provide partial shade, especially during the noon. As an outdoor, garden plant, this is good news. You can check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map here if you are unsure in which category your zone falls. Many people manage to grow this shrub in zone 5 however, this will often depend on microclimates. Sky Pencil Hollies are adapted to grow between USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 6 to 9. Most of the care will vary depending on the USDA hardiness zone where you live. Find below the optimal conditions and a full care guide on how to grow Sky Pencil Holly. They have thick leaves, which make them tolerant to a wide range of climate conditions. Frequently Asked Questions How to Grow Sky Pencil Holly
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