Caring for Dragon Lady Holly Trees
Dragon Lady Holly can be a great addition to any yard. With its tall, narrow body, it makes a perfect accent to the edges of a home, and any brightly colored flower looks great in contrast with its emerald green foliage. To ensure that you are getting the most out of your Dragon Lady, it is important that you care for it properly. If planted in the proper environment, these general care instructions will help to ensure your plant's health and longevity.
Make sure that you keep an eye on the bush's soil quality. It enjoys acidic and well drained soils. This means that you should fertilize periodically with an acidifying fertilizer at the end of winter. There are many different brands that are geared towards fertilizing Holly bushes. Holly Tone is highly recommended though most brands will suit the purpose just fine. Do not over fertilize, as this may cause damage to the plant in the long run, especially if you make the soil too acidic. Plants follow the saying, "too much of a good thing, is a bad thing."
Because of its shape, it may need pruning from time to time. Be aware of what you are cutting and how much you are taking off, as improper pruning can damage the overall look of your plant. If giving a thorough trim, it should be done in March prior to new growth. Regular maintenance pruning can be done throughout the summer. These involve small and neat cuts.
Keep the area around the tree moist or slightly dry. Never allow the soil to dry out completely but it shouldn't remain soggy either. If you live in a windy area, you may want to consider spraying the leaves with anti-desiccant to prevent the tips of the leaves from turning brown. Spraying should occur in late fall and again in the middle of winter.
