How to Grow Red Beauty Holly Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Red beauty holly shrub is an ideal plant for foundation planting, hedges, and screens. It is a fast grower and can reach a height of 6-8 feet and a width of 4-6 feet. The dark green leaves are 2-4 inches long and have a sharp spine at the end. The red berries are 0.5 inches in diameter and appear in late fall.

How to Grow Red Beauty Holly Shrub - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • American holly
  • Inkberry
  • Christmas berry
  • Winterberry
  • Yaupon

Good to Know

  • The red beauty holly shrub is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 6 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
  • It has dark green leaves that are elliptical in shape and have sharp spines on the margins.
  • The shrub produces small, white flowers in the springtime that give way to bright red berries in the fall and winter.
  • The berries are poisonous to humans but are enjoyed by many birds and other animals.
  • The red beauty holly shrub is native to the southeastern United States but can be found in other parts of the country as well.
  • It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.
  • The shrub is relatively low-maintenance and is not susceptible to many pests or diseases.
  • It can be pruned to maintain a desired shape and size.
  • The red beauty holly shrub makes an excellent addition to any landscape and can be used as a stand-alone plant or in a group.
  • It is drought-tolerant and can withstand winter weather conditions.

Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Diamant Rouge

How to Grow

  1. For red beauty holly shrub, first step is to find a location that has well-drained soil and receives full to partial sun.
  2. Next, dig a hole that is twice the width and depth of the root ball.
  3. Place the plant in the hole and fill it in with soil, tamping it down as you go.
  4. Water the plant well.
  5. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the plant.
  6. Prune the plant as needed to shape it and encourage new growth.
  7. Fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
  8. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
  9. Deadhead flowers as they fade to promote new blooms.
  10. Enjoy your beautiful red beauty holly shrub!

Related plant:
Cheap Shrubs

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Red beauty holly shrub needs well-drained soil which is moist but not wet. It prefers a location in full sun to partial shade. This shrub is not particular about soil type but it will not tolerate very wet conditions.

Light condition

Just like other hollies, Red Beauty holly shrub prefers full sun to partial shade. It will tolerate a wide range of soils, as long as the soil is well-drained. This shrub is semi-evergreen, meaning it will retain some of its leaves during the winter months.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for the red beauty holly shrub is one that is cool and moist. This shrub prefers temperatures that are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It should be watered regularly, especially during the hotter months. The soil should be kept moist but not soggy. If the soil becomes too dry, the leaves of the shrub will begin to turn yellow and fall off.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 40%. If the humidity is too high, it will lead to yellowing of the leaves and eventually cause the plant to die. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will turn brown and fall off.

Fertilizing

Discussing fertilizer, this family of plant nutrients is essential for healthy growth and reproduction of holly shrubs. The right fertilizer can mean the difference between a bountiful crop of berries and a barren bush. When it comes to holly, there are a few key nutrients that are essential for healthy growth, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash. Nitrogen is responsible for foliage growth, phosphorus encourages root growth and blooming, while potash helps to regulate water and promotes overall plant health.

About light

Pruning your Red Beauty Holly Shrub is important to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. You should prune your holly in late winter or early spring. Start by removing any dead or damaged branches. Then, cut back any branches that are rubbing against each other or growing inwards. Finally, trim back any long or unruly branches.

The Propagation

Propagation of the red beauty holly shrub is typically done through rooting stem cuttings. The best time to take the cuttings is in late spring or early summer when the plants are actively growing. Cuttings should be taken from new growth that is 6-8 inches long. Cuttings should be taken from the tips of the stems, and each cutting should have 2-3 sets of leaves. Cuttings should be placed in a rooting medium, such as perlite or sand, and kept moist. Rooting will typically occur within 4-6 weeks.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be fast. The plant can reach its full potential in as little as two years with proper care. Once established, the plant will continue to grow and fill in for years to come.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot. These can all be treated with fungicide. If you see any of these problems on your plant, be sure to treat it right away.

Tips on Growing

  • Make sure to plant your red beauty holly shrub in an area that gets full sun.
  • Be sure to water your red beauty holly shrub regularly, especially during the hotter months.
  • Fertilize your red beauty holly shrub every few months to help it grow and stay healthy.
  • Prune your red beauty holly shrub regularly to encourage new growth and keep it looking its best.
  • Keep an eye out for pests or diseases that could affect your red beauty holly shrub, and treat them accordingly.
  • Harvest the berries from your red beauty holly shrub when they are ripe and use them in recipes or as decorations.
  • Enjoy watching the birds that are attracted to the berries on your red beauty holly shrub!
  • Use caution when handling the sharp leaves of your red beauty holly shrub.
  • Remember to give your red beauty h

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Source:
Holly Tree Varieties - Breeding Programs
Growing holly : University of Illinois Extension
Holly - Gardening Solutions - University of Florida

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category