Started Holly at the wrong time — lessons learned

I planted Holly at entirely the wrong point in the growing calendar and spent the first few months wondering what I'd done wrong. dieback from harsh winters on marginally hardy varieties didn't help matters. Once I understood pruning at the right time of year for the specific species things improved substantially.

generally low maintenance once established is what makes this plant worth persisting with. In a low-maintenance foundation planting around a house it finally looks as good as I'd imagined. early spring flowering on bare branches before leaves appear redeemed the whole effort. If you're starting out: do your timing research before you plant.