How to Grow and Care for False Holly

Plant Care

The False Holly is a hardy little plant that grows with very little attention. Whether you grow it in a garden bed or a container, it is relatively easy to care for as long as you give it suitable conditions. Here’s what you need to know to keep your False Holly healthy and lively.

Light

• It flourishes in partial to full sun.
• It does well in partial shade, especially in hotter areas, but grows it in bright light for best results; you’ll get more foliage and flowers if it’s well-lighted. 
• A patch that gets morning sun and afternoon shade is perfect, but if your entire garden gets full sun all day, it should grow just fine as long as it gets enough water.

Soil

False Holly likes slightly acidic, well draining soil. It is tolerant of a variety of soil types ranging from loamy to sandy, as long as drainage is good. If your soil is heavy or clay type soil, amend it with some organic matter compost or peat moss so that the soil structure and drainage increases. The soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged, so be sure to check that the water flows freely from the base of the container or bed.

Watering

False Holly likes moderate water, so allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. That said, it is possible to overwater the plant. Water deeply once or twice a week in the growing season (spring through fall), and cut back during the winter when the plant is dormant. In a container, False Holly may require more watering, particularly in warm weather, as pots can dry out faster than garden soil.

Pruning

If you want your False Holly to be neat and compact, you can prune it as well. This shrub tolerates light pruning and regular maintenance will encourage denser growth and a more appealing shape.

• Shape and Size: Trim in the late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Prune away any wayward or leggy branches to form the plant and keep it looking neat.
• Remove Deadwood: Like most shrubs, any dead, damaged or diseased branches should be removed at any time of the year to keep the plant healthy.
• Promote Compact Growth: If you would like to encourage a fuller, more compact growth habit, tip back branches during the growing season on a regular basis. This will help your plant become bushier by encouraging it to branch out.

Tip: False Holly doesn’t need severe trimming, so don’t go overboard! Prune only when necessary to shape the plant or remove problem areas.

Propagating

False Holly can be propagated by means of cuttings or layering. Although it may be grown from seed, it is a slower and less common method than using stem cuttings.

To propagate using cuttings:

• In late spring or early summer, take 6-inch cuttings of the softwood growth.
• Strip away the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top.
• In order to promote root growth, dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
• Place the cutting in good-draining soil, and keep it in a warm, humid space.
• Mist the cutting frequently and place it in indirect light. The cutting will, after a couple of weeks, form roots.
• After a while, when the cutting is well-rooted, repot it in a bigger pot or plant it in the ground.

Or you can propagate by layering, where you bend a low branch to the ground and allow it to root while still attached to the parent plant.

Growing in Pots

The False Holly has very manageable growing habits, making it an ideal candidate for gardeners with limited space such as patios, balconies, or small yards. A pot-grown evergreen shrub that will stay compact and can be shifted if you need to move it around.

How to Grow False Holly in Pots:

• Select a wide container that offers plenty of room for the roots to develop. A heavy pot or container that is at least 18 inches across works well.
• The media should drain well but still hold some moisture without becoming waterlogged. Mix in perlite or sand for better drainage.
• Water regularly in the active growing season, but allow the soil to dry a bit between waterings. Do not allow the plant to remain in excess water.
• Provide occasional fertilization with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in the growing season.
• Site your pot indoors, or in a protected place, during the winter months in colder climates to avoid frost damage.

With the right care, False Holly can thrive in containers and add an attractive touch to any outdoor living space.

Overwintering

False Holly is quite the tough shrub, although if you happen to live in a colder zone (7 and below) you will have to protect this beauty through the winter months. Here’s how to keep your plant through the winter:

• With a thick layer of an organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or bark, mulch the plant’s base to help insulate the roots from freezing temperatures.
• If it’s potted, bring the plant inside or move it to a sheltered space, like a garage, that will keep it safe from the cold.
• Do not fertilize the plant in the winter, as it’s in a dormant state with little need for care.
• Keep watering, but less often, and with the soil drier than in the growing season, to avoid root rot.

If you take care of and protect your False Holly wisely in the winter, it will remain healthy and wait for spring to thrive!

Blooming

The False Holly is more renown for its evergreen foliage than its flowers, but even so this plant will bear small, fragrant white blooms during the fall, adding a welcome touch of scent to your garden. These pretty little flowers are often overlooked but have a powerful scent that carpets the area around them.

Its flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, so it’s a solid option for wildlife gardens. Edible, small blue-black berries follow the blooms, but they aren’t palatable;most probably they’re just there for a bit of seasonal interest. False Holly features evergreen leaves that add interest all year around, so even when it’s not in bloom, the plant makes a lovely addition to your landscape.

Common Issues

False Holly has some pest/disease challenges (especially in under-ideal settings), but overall is a low maintenance plant. Some issues to be on the lookout for:

• Leaf Spot and Fungal Diseases: Upon excessive dampness or poor circulation of air around the plant, the plant can become a victim of fungal diseases like leaf spot. Avoid this by ensuring that the plant is planted in well-draining soil and that the plant is not overcrowded.
• Yellow Leaves: This is generally a sign of overwatering, bad drainage or lack of nutrients. Examine the soil and, when necessary, adjust the watering schedule or modify the soil.
• Pests: Scale insects, aphids, or spider mites can sometimes affect False Holly. If this happens, apply insecticidal soap or a solution of water and mild dish soap to the plant.
• Root Rot: This happens when the plant sits in wet soil and is left for too long. Be sure the plant is in well-draining soil and do not overwater it.

Summary

This Elegant and Low maintenance shrub, brings you year-round interest in your garden. The False Holly with its glossy, hollylike leaves and fragrant autumn flowers, is one of the best choices for gardeners in search of a hardy, versatile specimen.