Planting Instructions for Dahoon Holly (Ilex cassine) – 3-Gallon Container
Dahoon Holly is a versatile, evergreen tree that thrives in moist, acidic soils and provides year-round interest with its glossy leaves and bright red berries (on female plants). Follow these planting instructions to ensure a healthy and well-established tree.
1. Choose the Right Location
- Prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Thrives in moist, acidic, and well-drained soil but can tolerate wet conditions.
- Ideal for use as a privacy screen, specimen tree, or in rain gardens.
2. Prepare the Planting Hole
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth to the container.
- Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to encourage root penetration.
3. Remove the Tree from the Container
- Gently slide the tree out of the pot. If the roots are tightly wound, carefully tease them apart to encourage outward growth.
4. Plant the Tree
- Place the tree in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with the original soil, gently pressing down to remove air pockets. Avoid covering the root flare (where the trunk widens at the base).
5. Water Thoroughly
- Immediately after planting, water deeply to help settle the soil.
- Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the first 6–12 months. Dahoon Holly prefers moist soil but does not tolerate prolonged drought.
6. Mulch for Protection
- Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
- Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
7. Staking (If Needed)
- If planting in a windy or unstable area, use stakes for the first year to help establish the tree.
8. Fertilization & Care
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and late summer for healthy growth.
- Lightly prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches.
9. Pollination Considerations
- Dahoon Holly is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers grow on separate plants. To produce berries, you’ll need a male tree nearby to pollinate female trees.
Planting Instructions for DD Blanchard Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora ‘DD Blanchard’) – 3-Gallon Container
DD Blanchard Magnolia is a beautiful evergreen tree known for its large, glossy leaves with rich brown undersides and fragrant white flowers. It’s an excellent choice for landscapes, thriving in full sun to partial shade. Follow these steps for successful planting:
1. Choose the Right Location
- Prefers full sun to partial shade (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day).
- Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil but adapts to various soil types.
- Allow 10–15 feet of space from structures or other trees to accommodate its mature size (50–60 feet tall, 20–25 feet wide).
2. Prepare the Planting Hole
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and equal in depth to the container.
- Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to promote root establishment.
3. Remove the Tree from the Container
- Gently slide the magnolia out of the pot. If the roots are tightly wound, carefully loosen them to encourage outward growth.
4. Plant the Tree
- Position the tree in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
- Backfill with the original soil, gently pressing down to eliminate air pockets. Avoid burying the trunk too deep.
5. Water Thoroughly
- Water deeply immediately after planting to help settle the soil.
- Maintain consistent moisture, especially during the first 6–12 months. Magnolias prefer moist but well-drained soil.
6. Mulch for Protection
- Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
- Mulch helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
7. Staking (If Needed)
- If planting in a windy area, stake the tree for the first 6–12 months to promote upright growth.
8. Fertilization & Care
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer for optimal growth.
- Lightly prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning, as it may reduce flowering.
9. Long-Term Maintenance
- Once established, DD Blanchard Magnolia is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during dry periods.
- Avoid excessive lawn fertilizers near the tree, as high nitrogen levels may reduce flowering.
