If a plant loses its leaves, this is always a warning sign, including holly. However, there is rarely an underlying disease or pest infestation. Most of the time the cause is errors when watering or an incorrect location.
Why does a holly lose its leaves?
Hollies most often lose their leaves due to improper watering, either too much or too little water. Leaves turn yellow or brown before falling off. To prevent this, waterlogging should be avoided, watered sufficiently and a bright location preferred. Even in winter, watering on frost-free days is important.
A first warning sign – discolored leaves
Before the holly sheds its leaves, its leaves turn yellow. Ideally, you can react now and prevent something worse from happening. A lack or excess of moisture is usually the reason for the yellow or brown leaves. The Ilex does not tolerate waterlogging or long periods of drought really well.
So check the ground. If it is wet, you should not water your holly for some time or water it less. However, if the soil is dry, water the Ilex thoroughly. You may also want to rinse the leaves of the plant with water.
Leaf discoloration in spring
If the phenomenon of discolored leaves occurs in spring, then the hardy holly was probably not watered enough the previous winter. Like all evergreen shrubs, the Ilex needs a lot of moisture even in winter and should be watered on frost-free days. Even if your Ilex loses a few leaves, you should try to save it by watering it extensively.
Prevention through the right choice of location
The more comfortable the holly feels in its location, the better it will grow and thrive. A lime-poor soil with light moisture but without waterlogging is advantageous. The holly also likes sun, but not necessarily the blazing, unprotected midday sun. Then her light shade is more pleasant, even if she probably grows a little slower.
The most important things in brief:
- The leaves usually change color before they fall off
- common cause: incorrect watering
- the faster the reaction, the greater the success
- Prevention: Avoid waterlogging, sufficient watering, bright location
- also water in winter (on frost-free days)
Tip
Wherever the holly grows, it can usually be grown in the garden without any problems. In other areas, determining the pH value and possibly improving the soil will help you find the ideal location.
