How do I Plant Holly Berry Bushes?

Holly berry bushes are perhaps most well known for their use as a Christmas decoration. The traditional shrubs provide a red berry in the winter, adding visual interest to your landscape. There are other types of hollies, however, which have smooth, elliptical-shaped leaves and black, orange, white or yellow berries. When planting holly berry bushes, make sure to keep them from children and pets because they are considered toxic.

Shovel

Compost

Rototiller

Pruning shears

Mulch

Garden hose

Pick a planting spot that is in the full sun. The soil must drain well. Allow enough space in between and above plants for the mature size. Dwarf hollies are about 3 feet tall, but other types can grow to 50 feet.

Spread 4 inches of compost over the planting area. Pine bark or composted leaves work well. Work them into the soil with a rototiller. Loosen the soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches. The compost adds nutrients and improves drainage.

Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the bush's root ball. This will give the roots the room they need to spread. Make the hole the same depth, however. You want the root mass to sit at the base of the hole. Only the top of the root ball should be visible above ground level.

Remove the holly berry bush from its nursery container. Gently separate the roots to help them spread and grow. If there are encircling roots that are binding the ball, cut them with pruning shears.

Place the root ball in the center of the hole. Refill the hole with removed soil, pressing down to eliminate air pockets.

Build a berm or wall of soil around the bush that's 3 inches tall. This will create a water ring to hold moisture.

Water the holly berry shrub thoroughly. Keep most of the water over the root section.

Apply 3 inches of mulch around the planting bed. Keep it from touching the trunk of the holly. The mulch will keep moisture in the soil and prevent weed growth.

Plant holly berry bushes in early fall.