- A first warning sign - discolored leaves
- leaf discoloration in spring
- Prevention through the right choice of location
When a plant loses its leaves, this is always a warning sign, including holly. Rarely, however, is a disease behind it or an infestation by pests. Most often, errors in casting are the cause or a wrong location.
The holly does not like water shortage or excess
A first warning sign - discolored leaves
Before the holly sheds its leaves, its leaves turn yellow. Ideally, you should react now and thus prevent worse things from happening. Most often, a lack or excess of moisture is the reason for the yellow or brown leaves. The Ilex tolerates neither waterlogging nor prolonged dry periods really well.
So check the ground. If it's wet, you shouldn't water your holly for a while, or water it less. On the other hand, if the soil is dry, water the Ilex extensively. You may also shower the leaves of the plant with water.
leaf discoloration in spring
If the phenomenon of discolored leaves occurs in spring, then the hardy holly probably under-watered the previous winter. Like all evergreen shrubs, the holly needs a lot of moisture even in winter and should be watered on frost-free days. Even if your Ilex is now losing a few leaves, you should start a rescue attempt with extensive watering.
Prevention through the right choice of location
The more comfortable the holly is in its location, the better it will grow and thrive. A low-calcareous soil with slight moisture but without waterlogging is advantageous for this. Holly also likes the sun, but not necessarily the blazing, unprotected midday sun. Then its light shadow is more pleasant, even if it then probably grows a little more slowly.
The essentials in brief:
- the leaves usually change color before they fall off
- common cause: incorrect watering
- the quicker the reaction, the greater the success
- Prevention: Avoid waterlogging, sufficient watering, bright location
- also water in winter (on frost-free days)
tips
Wherever holly grows, it is usually easy to grow in the garden. In other areas, determining the pH value and possibly upgrading the soil will help you find the ideal location.