tompilot
first timer
Reged: 12/05/02
Posts: 21
Loc: New York
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I planted 6 Blue Princess Hollies and one Blue Prince Holly about 2 weeks ago as a border.The leaves on 2 of the hollies have browned and fallen off. I don't think that they should be losing their leaves, especially now in the middle of May. They are planted in a sunny area and they have been getting of water. Any suggestions? Thanks.
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Eric_the_DIYer
Joe Cool
Reged: 07/13/01
Posts: 500
Loc: Big D
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Have you sprayed anything recently that may have an adverse effect on the hollys?
Ive got two of the princess hollys, now in their 3rd year, and they are dark green and growing, not turning brown.. actually they have never turned brown.
Where did you get them, sometimes you just get a bad batch of plants. Or maybe a soil problem. Id take the plants back, have them give you some new ones and get a soil tester as well (can get them at lowes, etc for cheap) and go from there.
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"Al, if Mama ain't happy at home, ain't nobody happy, you know?" Holla.
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sxzwang
enthusiast
Reged: 07/03/02
Posts: 235
Loc: MA
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We just bought holly steeds. I remember the nursery told us that holly princesses are the most shade loving holly. Just a shot in the dark - Could it be too much sun?
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Eric_the_DIYer
Joe Cool
Reged: 07/13/01
Posts: 500
Loc: Big D
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My princess hollys get full day of sun.. they are on the front of my house, get some shade from the overhang, but do get a lot of light unlike other plants under our trees. Could be a tought though.
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"Al, if Mama ain't happy at home, ain't nobody happy, you know?" Holla.
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FranS
The Boss Mare
Reged: 01/21/02
Posts: 39978
Loc: Riverside, CA
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Found on the Internet:
Blue Prince' and Blue Princess' Hollies
Upon completion of writing the article for little bluestem I turn my attention to Blue Prince' and Blue Princess' hollies. This shows the wide diversity of the plant kingdom and at the same time almost strips gears in this little mind of mine. But onward I shall proceed.
Ilex x meserveae Blue Prince' and Blue Princess' hollies are a cross between Ilex rugosa and Ilex aquifolium. These evergreen shrubs are slow growers which eventually reach a mature height of 4-6 feet. Hollies are dioecious, which means there are male plants and female plants. In order for the females to bear the sought-after red fruit, there must be an occasional male within 300 feet of the females for reliable pollination. A bee may come in handy also.
Flowers are small, white, and somewhat insignificant in the landscape.
Leaves are glossy, spiny, and blue-green in color that change to somewhat purplish during the winter months.
Cultural requirements of holly call for moist, acidic soil with partial shade conditions. Winterburn of foliage is common so protection from dry winter winds is essential. Mulching and ensuring ample soil moisture are other key practices that should be addressed before hollies go into the winter season. Before planting amend the soil with peat moss or compost to loosen our heavy clay soils.
Hollies can be truly exciting and beautiful plants in the landscape. But remember that they may not be for everyone. Give some thought to it before planting and know what you are up against.
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tompilot
first timer
Reged: 12/05/02
Posts: 21
Loc: New York
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Thanks for all the replies. I haven't sprayed anything nearby so that wouldn't be the problem. They are planted in a mostly sunny area, so I suppose that would make it partial shade.It hasn't been particularly sunny since I planted them. The prince, which I bought at a local nursery, is doing great, that is why I didn't think it was the soil, but I will get a tester to check it out. I bought the princesses at Home Depot, at least they have a 1 year plant quarantee. When I bought them, a few had browning leaves and I picked the best ones that they had. I scratched the surface of a few of the branches and they are green. Also, it appears that there may be some buds on them. I'll probably bring them back and try to replace them. Thanks again.
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FranS
The Boss Mare
Reged: 01/21/02
Posts: 39978
Loc: Riverside, CA
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if they are green and you see buds, then they are okay. take off the dead stuff and give it a chance. you have a whole year to take them back, if they don't make it. but they sound promising.
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Eric_the_DIYer
Joe Cool
Reged: 07/13/01
Posts: 500
Loc: Big D
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Ya, they may have just gone into initial shock from being transplanted.. if you are getting buds, then give them a chance.. try to get the dead stuff off.
Your local nursery will also (should) give you a one year guarantee as well.. so you have a year for them to recoup. Keep your receipt handy just in case.
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"Al, if Mama ain't happy at home, ain't nobody happy, you know?" Holla.
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Susan92
member
Reged: 12/16/02
Posts: 183
Loc: Tennessee
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Every spring I sprinkle Hollytone around each of my hollies (under the mulch). I've been told by several people that work in nurseries around here that doing that is really good for them. Give it a try! ( I only use Hollytone...haven't tried any of the other brands).
Susan
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Scraper
enthusiast
Reged: 01/22/03
Posts: 212
Loc: Chaddsford, PA
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Did you drive them home in the back of a pick-up for an extended period? If so, you could have dessicated the leaves.
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