What Kind of Fertilizer Do You Use on a Holly Bush?
- Use holly bush cultivars for hedges, foundation plantings, stand-alone shrubs or accent plantings.
- Holly prefers acidic soil with a pH level of 5.0 to 6.0. Soil testing confirms the pH level. Test the soil before planting and amend according to test results.
- Ohio State University recommends mulching with organics such as sphagnum peat moss, pine needles, pine bark or chopped leaves. Organic mulch slowly releases nutrients.
- Scatter a handful of balanced fertilizer such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10, referring to ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, in late spring. Sprinkle the fertilizer on the mulch and water well.
- Apply agricultural sulfur as needed to reduce soil acidity. Ohio State suggests maintaining soil under pH 6.