How to Grow Variegated Holly

Hollies appear in numerous landscapes, sporting glossy leaves and ornamental winter berries. Spiky thorns on many varieties provide protection as a barrier plants. Evergreen hollies offer prized greenery during winter holidays. However, with insignificant flowers and few appealing features in summer, hollies become dull and bland. Shades of varicolored holly increase year-round interest in the landscape. The light colors can brighten a dark border. Variegated hollies come in shades of yellow, white and tan swirling irregularly around glossy greens. Growing variegated holly is much the same as growing solid-colored holly. Variegated holly is an easy option for brightening your dark shrub border.

Pruners

Plant variegated holly in a full-to-part-sun location. Variegated plants often require less sun than their solid-green counterparts to retain variegated color. Too much sun may cause reversion in some variegated plants.

Water regularly until the holly is established in the landscape. For the first year after planting, growing holly needs roughly an inch of water per week. Provide more water as needed during hot, dry summer days.

Initiate berry production by planting both a male and a female holly. Female plants can have a heavy berry set but most need a male pollinator within 30 to 40 feet to produce.

Prune variegated hollies annually. Prune during dormancy in winter. Many variegated hollies have sparse foliage and limited branching. Prune the top of the main branch and ends of horizontal branches to encourage dense foliage to develop.

Limit fertilization of variegated holly. Nitrogen can build up around roots and damage the plant.