When I am sitting on the back porch, the last thing I want is prying neighborly eyes and loud noises from the distant highway. Privacy Screens are an effective way to manage sound and eyesores; though many people prefer fences, I enjoy the natural solitude and privacy of the Nellie Stevens Holly, a Holly shrub adapted to growing as a dense shrub. Nellie Stevens Hollies are perfect for privacy screens for many reasons; it diminishes noise and eyesores, provides natural shade, and brings bright colors to the yard throughout the year. Nellies are best planted 5 to 6 feet apart in order to create the living wall of natural splendor that these shrubs bring to the backyard.
Plant your Nellie Stevens Holly along a yard perimeter or property lines. I have seen Nellies used effectively as garden hedges, property markers, and even as separators within a yard. My grandfather planted the Nellie Stevens Holly along a line in the center of the backyard, to mark the end of the mowed greens and the beginning of a small meadow.
However, Nellie Stevens Hollies can also be planted as stand-alone trees. These trees are dark green, with foliage all year long. In summer, when many other evergreens brown or dry, the Nellie Stevens Holly usually maintains its luscious dark greens. In spring, tiny white flowers float along the tree’s slender branches. The Nellie Stevens Holly is most well-known for its winter colors, where the rich greens are matched with ruby red berries. For this reason, the Nellie Stevens Holly is loved for the splash of color it offers in the depths of the cold season.
Enjoy some quick tips here. For more complete information, read about these hints in more detail below.
Water – Water every once a week for the first six months, and then during extensive dry spells after that.
Pruning – Pruning can be done throughout the year, with the exception of spring. If only pruning once, aim for late summer.
Holly bushes are a classic garden shrub beloved for their glossy evergreen foliage and bright red berries that provide winter interest. Their slow but steady growth habit makes them ideal for hedges screens, and accent plantings. But how fast do holly bushes actually grow?
The growth rate of holly bushes can vary quite a bit depending on the specific variety. Factors like soil conditions, sun exposure, watering, and pruning also impact the speed of growth. By providing optimal care, you can maximize growth within the constraints of each variety’s genetics.
Let’s take a closer look at how quickly different types of holly bushes grow, and learn some tips to encourage healthy expansion to achieve your desired size and shape.
Typical Holly Growth Rates by Variety
There are over 400 species of holly, ranging from dwarf shrubs to towering trees. Growth habits can differ dramatically. Here are some examples:
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Nellie Stevens holly – The fastest growing variety, gaining 2-3 feet per year. Reaches 15-25 feet tall at maturity.
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Dwarf burford holly – Slow growing, only 6-12 inches per year. Just 3-4 feet tall when mature.
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Blue holly – Medium growth rate of 12-18 inches annually. Matures at 10-15 feet.
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American holly – Native variety with slow growth of less than 12 inches per year. Eventually reaches 40-50 feet tall.
Clearly, holly expansion rates vary widely. Select a variety suitable for your space and growth goals.
Optimal Growing Conditions For Faster Growth
Given ideal circumstances, holly bushes will grow at the maximum rate allowed by their genetics. Here’s how to provide the best care
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Sunlight – Most thrive in full sun or partial shade. Insufficient sunlight slows growth.
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Soil – Hollies prefer slightly acidic, organically enriched soil. Poor soil stunts growth.
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Water – Consistent moisture enables strong growth, especially when young.
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Fertilizer – A balanced fertilizer in spring gives hollies a nutritional boost.
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Pruning – Judicious pruning encourages dense, shapely growth habit.
Meeting these basic needs empowers your holly bushes to achieve their ideal growth rate.
Expected Growth Rate By Holly Bush Age
The growth pattern of holly bushes follows a general trajectory:
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Years 1-2 – The fastest growth occurs in the first couple years after planting, from 1-2 feet per year.
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Years 3-5 – Growth starts to slow but still averages 1 foot per year.
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Years 5-10 – Growth continues at a moderate pace of 6-12 inches annually.
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10+ years – Mature hollies add less than 6 inches per year. Growth significantly tapers off.
So while hollies are slow growing shrubs, they put on the most growth when young. Patience is required as expansion inevitably slows with age.
Holly Bush Size Progression Example
To illustrate potential size progression, here’s a growth chart for a fast-growing Nellie Stevens holly:
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Year 1 – Planted as a 1-2 foot nursery shrub.
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Year 2 – Grows 2 feet, reaching 3-4 feet tall.
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Year 3 – Adds another 2 feet, now 5-6 feet tall.
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Year 4 – Another 18 inches of growth, now about 7 feet tall.
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Year 5 – Gains 1 foot to reach 8 feet tall.
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Year 10 – Has slowed to 6-12 inches growth per year, standing around 12 feet tall.
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Maturity – Will eventually top out around 15-25 feet tall after a couple decades.
This example reflects the relatively fast growth rate of this variety. Slower growing hollies may gain just a few inches per year.
Encouraging Faster Holly Bush Growth
While hollies will never explode in size overnight, you can promote a little faster growth with these tips:
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Plant in optimal acidic, organically enriched, well-draining soil.
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Water deeply 2-3 times per week for the first 2 years.
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Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring and midsummer.
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Ensure ample sunlight exposure.
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Prune lightly in summer to promote denser growth.
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Remove competing plants around the root zone.
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Mulch to retain soil moisture and nutrition.
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Avoid extreme drought, waterlogging, or exposure stresses.
With the right care, you can nurture your holly bushes to reach their maximum growth potential. But keep expectations realistic – slow and steady is the nature of hollies. Focus on enjoying the journey as they gradually mature into stunning landscape specimens. Their beauty is well worth the wait.
FAQs About Growing and Caring for Holly Bushes
Diving into the world of holly bushes can lead to a myriad of questions. How about we tackle some right away?
Soil Requirements for Holly Bushes
When considering soil for these evergreens, it’s worth noting that they thrive best in rich, well-draining, and acidic soil conditions—similar to what you’d want for growing Japanese maples. While each plant has its unique requirements, paying attention to soil health is universally crucial for achieving optimal growth.
All About Holly Bushes | Ask This Old House
FAQ
Do holly bushes grow quickly?
Do holly shrubs grow fast? Most holly bushes have a slow to medium growth rate, increasing in size by 6 to 24 inches per year.
How do you make holly grow faster?
Hollies like to be planted in full sun or partial shade. Most prefer slightly acidic soils, so use a fertilizer for acid-loving shrubs in early spring. Plant Holly in a well-drained organic soil for best results and apply an even amount of water consistently for most of the season.
What are the downsides of holly bushes?
Size: It can grow quite large, so it may not be suitable for smaller gardens or spaces. Pruning: Regular pruning is necessary to maintain its shape and size. If left unpruned, it can become overgrown and lose its neat appearance.
How long does it take for a holly bush to mature?
The Growth Rate of Holly Bushes
Holly bushes typically add about 12 to 24 inches per year in terms of growth. That’s right! It may take a couple of years before your holly bush reaches its desired size.
How fast do holly bushes grow?
Meeting these basic care needs will empower your holly bushes to achieve their ideal growth rate. The growth pattern of holly bushes follows a general trajectory: Years 1-2 – The fastest growth occurs in the first couple years after planting, from 1-2 feet per year. Years 3-5 – Growth starts to slow but still averages 1 foot per year.
What is the fastest growing holly?
The nellie stevens holly is the fastest growing holly. Holly grows about 3 feet per year. Compared to the american holly and the dragon lady holly, which only grow a few inches each year, the nellie stevens holly is much faster growing. Holly trees can be found in most areas of the country, but they are most common in the southern United States.
How long does it take for a holly tree to grow?
It can take 20 to 25 years for a holly shrub or tree to reach full size. Slow growing can be a problem. Shrubs can be found in all parts of the world. Are holly trees good for privacy? Where is the best place to plant a holly tree? How can I make my hollies grow faster? What is the fastest growing holly tree?
How tall do holly bushes grow?
Holly plants can grow 50 feet tall or more, though most garden varieties stay smaller. When to trim holly bushes? Prune holly shrubs in late winter or early spring before plants begin to show new growth. Where is the best place to plant a holly bush?
How do holly bushes grow?
Given the preferred growing conditions, holly bushes will grow at the fastest rate their genetics allow. Here’s how to provide what they need: Sunlight – Most thrive in full sun or partial shade. Insufficient sunlight slows growth. Soil – Hollies prefer slightly acidic, organically rich soil. Poor soil stunts growth.
Are holly bushes easy to grow?
Holly bushes are easy to grow, even for beginners. They thrive in full sun or partial shade and can adapt to various climates, from USDA zones 3 to 9. Before choosing a holly plant, check your Hardiness Zone to ensure it suits your area.