Content
- Fertilize Ilex crenata - when, how and with what?
- When do you need to fertilize Ilex crenata?
- The right fertilizer for the Japanese holly
- Never overfertilize!
- Apply mulch cover
- Tips
The Japanese holly must not be fertilized too much
Fertilize Ilex crenata - when, how and with what?
Ilex crenata, the Japanese holly, is a very frugal plant that has been very fortified as a hedge plantation. It needs little nutrients. Therefore, frequent fertilization is not necessary. What do you have to consider when using fertilizers from Ilex crenata?
When do you need to fertilize Ilex crenata?
If you properly prepare the soil or substrate in the pot before planting, you will not need to fertilize in the first few years.
The plant loves a lime-free, slightly humus-rich soil. Enrich it with seasoned compost and horn shavings.
If you do not want to give up fertilizing, for example, because the holly looks a bit meager, you can use some compost in the spring.
The right fertilizer for the Japanese holly
Chemical fertilizers are not necessary. At best, you can give a long-term fertilizer in the spring, but only in half the dose.
Better than fertilizer is ripe compost, which you can easily work into the soil in spring. Horn shavings are also a good fertilizer for Ilex crenata.
Never overfertilize!
Ilex crenata is sensitive to a high level of nutrients in the soil. Therefore, avoid over-fertilizing the plants.
Never fertilize on very hot summer days. The last fertilizer application should take place at the end of July. Otherwise the new shoots will not mature properly before winter.
Apply mulch cover
The best thing you can do for your Ilex crenata is to apply a mulch cover in spring. It has many advantages:
The mulch material regulates the water balance of the soil. The material releases nutrients during decomposition, which penetrate the soil. This can avoid over-fertilization.
The mulch cover also protects the Ilex crenata from frost damage in winter and prevents weeds from spreading under the shrub.
Suitable mulching materials are:
Tips
Ilex crenata can be multiplied if you have some patience. The easiest way to increase the propagation of lowering. But you can also cut cuttings in summer.