When to Plant Holly?

When to plant holly: the perfect time for exciting garden fun

Why holly?

You probably know it: the dark green leaves with bright red berries. Holly (or Ilex) is a true garden classic. This evergreen shrub is not only beautiful during the darker months of the year but also beloved by birds that feast on its berries.

Holly is also robust, very winter-hardy, and makes an excellent hedge or standalone eye-catcher. But then the question immediately arises: when should you plant holly for the best results?

The right time to plant holly

Planting in open ground

The ideal time to plant holly in the ground is from October to April. That might seem like a long time, but the trick lies in the soil conditions. It's best to plant holly on a mild, cloudy autumn day or a rainy spring day. The reason? Then the soil is sufficiently moist, allowing the roots to establish easily.

Avoid periods of severe frost or hot summer days. Holly doesn't like extremes when transplanting. Make sure the soil is airy and well-draining. You can also improve the soil with a layer of perlite, such as those available in our soil improver collection.

In a greenhouse or cold frame

Don't fancy standing in wet garden boots in autumn? Then holly is also perfect for planting in a conservatory or cold frame, especially if you have young cuttings or small specimens. This can be done a little earlier in the year, for example, from September onwards, as long as the temperature isn't too high.

In a greenhouse, the soil often warms up more quickly, which promotes root formation. Ensure good drainage here as well, using, for example, hydroponic clays as a base layer in pots or containers.

What about holly in pots?

Holly also thrives in a pot, as long as it's deep enough and has sufficient drainage holes. Use a sturdy flowerpot like the one in our flowerpot collection and fill it with a mix of potting soil and drainage material.

Plant preferably in autumn or early spring, when extreme weather conditions are avoided. Let the plant acclimatize in a sheltered spot before moving it to its permanent location.

Planting holly: step by step

1. Choose a suitable location

Holly prefers light to partial shade and is best sheltered from strong winds. Consider a spot near a hedge, wall, or other shrubs. Keep in mind that some holly varieties are dioecious: if you want berries, you'll need both a male and a female plant. Feel free to ask for help in our plant shop or browse our collection of outdoor plants online.

2. Soil preparation is key

Make the planting hole twice as wide as the root ball and about the same depth. Mix the excavated soil with compost or coconut fiber for airiness. You can also use coconut husk , which is ideal for maintaining good moisture balance.

Make sure that the root collar of the holly remains level with the ground.

3. Planting and aftercare

Carefully place the plant in the hole and fill it with the enriched soil. Press firmly without damaging the roots and water thoroughly immediately. For long-term care, a layer of peat moss can help retain moisture better.

Keep the soil slightly moist for the first few weeks. Water more regularly if the plant is potted.

Additional tips for successful holly planting

Combine with other plants

Holly combines perfectly with groundcovers like periwinkle or flowers like pansies , creating an interesting garden structure all year round.

Want to give the dull corners of your garden a fresh boost? Then holly is the perfect candidate for an evergreen effect. Want to know when other plants are blooming or should be planted? Then be sure to check out our series of blogs, such as "When to plant flowers in your garden ."

Facts and extra care

Did you know that holly is relatively disease-resistant? However, it's best to prune the shrub annually if you want to keep it in shape. Prune preferably in March or September, when the plant isn't in full growth. Avoid pruning during periods of frost.

Want to pamper your plant a little extra? Give it a gentle shower with our plant sprayer every now and then to remove dust or unwanted flying creatures.

Can it be a little more exciting?

Dare to go outside the box and combine your holly with more exotic houseplants. Think, for example, of a robust yucca or the air-purifying ZZ plant . This way, your home will be both green and stimulating.

Conclusion

Planting holly isn't difficult at all, as long as you choose the right time: preferably autumn or early spring. A rainy or cloudy day is perfect, and in a pot or greenhouse, you can be a little more flexible with the timing.

With these tips and a little love, your holly will become a permanent, green addition to your garden. Discover our other blogs about when to plant and become a real garden draw, even with prickly friends like holly.