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Why is my Holly Tree dropping berries?

WhippetWhippet Posts: 145
in The potting shed
Greetings :)
We were given a variegated Holly named Handsworth New Silver as an anniversary gift.  It is in a large pot where, we were told, it will be happy for a few years.  This is its first summer with us.
It is in a mostly sheltered position near the house wall facing north so has some sunshine up until midmorning.   It looks healthy BUT.....the berries are dropping off 5 or 6 a day. Any ideas why and how to stop it?
I bought a male holly which is nearby in similar position and thats fine.
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Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Could it be thirsty? 



    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • WhippetWhippet Posts: 145
    I dont think so. I dont allow it to dry out so given rain water as needed

  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    The thing is, how do you know what it needs? You could try soaking it every few days, rather than a bit at a time.
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    Our large mature tree in the garden has died altogether, whereas everything around it is fine.  Reason unknown.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    What sort of compost is in the pot?

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • WhippetWhippet Posts: 145
    John Innes .   It arrived in the pot and I havent changed anything.  I fed it as instructed and all seemed well until recently.
  • WhippetWhippet Posts: 145
    Posy..I do give it a fair soak...wondered if its too much.  The compost i usually use is much 'heavier' than this sort seems to be and I'd wondered about repotting it later,
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    I think you need John Innes 3, possibly with some real soil, but others will know.
  • WhippetWhippet Posts: 145
    Ive been searching for the information it came with and cant find it!  Im pretty certain it was John Innes 3.   Thankyou for your help :)

  • WhippetWhippet Posts: 145
    nick615 said:
    Our large mature tree in the garden has died altogether, whereas everything around it is fine.  Reason unknown.

    Thats a great shame. I hope you can replace it.


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