Growing the Dwarf Burford Holly Bush

Before planting your holly, you'll need to pick out the right location for it. Begin by using a soil testing kit in the area where you want to plant. The Dwarf Burford prefers a slightly acidic soil that's moist; you can amend the soil with lime to increase the acidity in the area. You want to pick an area with full sun exposure throughout the day, but if you can't find one that works in your garden, you can place the holly in slight shade. The holly's roots spread out wide once planted, so you'll want to select an area where the plant won't be crowded by the growth of other trees or plants. When ready to plant, dig a hole double the width and height of the root ball of the Burford. Fill the hole with water and let it drain out. Next, lower the shrub by its root ball, placing it at the center of the hole. Fill with a mixture of the original soil, compost and peat moss, tamping down the roots to knock out any air pockets. Keep adding a bit of water as you fill in the hole. Once you've planted, it's now your job to protect the shrub. Do so by putting down a few inches of organic mulch; you can use sawdust, newspaper or cardboard if you want. Cover with an inch or two of pine bark and water weekly during dry periods.