What to Plant Under Holly Tree

A Brief on Holly Trees

Holly trees are known for their attractive evergreen foliage, red berries, and spiky leaves. These trees are an excellent addition to any landscape and can grow up to 60 feet tall. Holly trees are low maintenance and require a little pruning or trimming to maintain their shape. These trees grow well in full sun to partial shade and prefer well-draining soil. The soil should have a pH level between 6.0 to 7.5. Holly trees are also tolerant of drought, which makes them a perfect landscape addition for dry regions.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Holly Tree

When it comes to planting under holly trees, it is best to choose plants that can thrive in an acidic soil environment. Holly trees naturally make the soil acidic due to their needle-like leaves that shed during the year. Plants that can thrive in an acidic environment include the following:

Azaleas: These evergreen shrubs produce bright flowers that can complement the red berries of the holly tree.

Rhododendrons: Like azaleas, rhododendrons are also evergreen shrubs that produce large flowers in different colors, such as pink, red or white.

Camellias: These evergreen shrubs bloom in the winter and early spring, producing large flowers with a range of colors.

Ferns: Ferns are low-growing plants that can thrive in the acidic soil environment underneath a holly tree. The fronds of the fern plants add a beautiful texture to the landscape.

Hostas: Hostas are low-growing plants that are known for their foliage that comes in different colors, including green, blue, or yellow. These plants can add a pop of color to the area underneath a holly tree.

Maintaining Planted Area Under Holly Tree

For an attractive landscape design, it is essential to maintain the planted area under the holly tree. Some tips for maintaining the planted area include:

Watering: Newly planted plants require extra attention and moisture, especially during the summer months. Make sure to water these plants regularly to keep the soil moist.

Mulching: Mulch can help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Apply a 2-inch thick layer of mulch around the planted area but avoid piling the mulch against the holly tree trunk.

Pruning: Remove any dead or diseased branches from the holly tree. This can help improve the overall health of the tree and prevent the spread of diseases to the planted area.

Weeding: Regularly remove any weeds that may grow in the planted area. Weeds can compete with the plants for nutrients and water, which can affect their growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, holly trees are an excellent addition to any landscape design. When planting under the holly tree, it is essential to choose plants that can thrive in an acidic soil environment. Plants such as azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, ferns, and hostas can add color and texture to the area under the holly tree. Maintaining the planted area by watering, mulching, pruning, and removing weeds can help keep the area healthy and attractive. With the right plants and maintenance, the area under a holly tree can become an attractive part of your landscape design.