What Do Holly Plants Eat?

Four hundred species of holly exist the world over. They grow in a variety of shapes and sizes, from 1 to 50 feet tall and from round shrubs to columns. Most of them are easy to care for and thrive with the addition of fertilizer.

Types

• Balanced fertilizers, such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10, are suitable for holly plants. Fertilizers labeled as "non-burning" are ideal.

Function

• Fertilizer helps strengthen the holly plant's stems and contributes to healthy foliage. The most critical time in the holly plant's life is the first three years. During that period, fertilizer should be consistently applied at the appropriate time of year.

Rate

• Agriculturists at Fort Valley State University suggest 1 tbsp. of fertilizer per foot of the plant's height. Apply the fertilizer in March, May and July, according to the instructions on the fertilizer label.