Are you wondering why your holly bush is not producing red berries? Holly bushes are known for its iconic red berries. Many gardeners plant holly bushes because they want that pop of red from holly berries. But alas, there are no red berries on your holly bush! Why is that?
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Why are there No Red Berries on Holly Bush?
There are many reasons why your holly bush is not producing red berries. Here are 7 reasons why you are not seeing any berries on your holly bush.
No Red Berries on Male Holly Bush
First you need to understand that holly bushes are dioecious plants. That means some holly bushes are male plants while other holly bushes are female plants. Female holly produce red berries while male holly do not produce red berries. It’s possible your holly bush is a male that is why it does not have red berries.
Male Holly Bush Planted too Far from Female Holly Bush
Another reason why there are no red berries on your holly bush is because your female holly bush is planted too far from the male holly bush. In order for the female holly to produce red berries, it needs to be planted close to a male holly so they can cross pollinate. Make sure male holly bush are planted within 50 feet from female holly bush. Bees will pollinate the holly bushes so the male and female should be planted near each other. See photo below of holly bushes planted near each other to facilitate cross pollination.
Holly Bush is too Young to have Red Berries
The possible reason why your holly bush is not producing red berries is because it is too young. Holly bush needs to be 4-5 years old in order to produce red berries.
No Red Berries Due to Overpruning
It’s possible your holly is not producing red berries because you’ve overpruned it! You may have cut off the flowers that becomes fruit or you may have cut off the stems that will produce red berries! Don’t overprune your holly bush!
Not Enough Water
Another reason why there are no berries on your holly bush is because it’s not getting enough water. You should make sure to water your holly bushes once a week.
Too Much Shade
If you planted your holly bush in a spot with too much shade, then it will produce less flowers. Flowers are essential for your holly bush to produce red berries.
Cold Frost Killed Holly Flowers
Another reason why you are not seeing red berries on your holly bush is that the flowers were killed off by a late cold snap. With global warming, weather has become unpredictable so a late cold frost can kill off Holly flowers which means no berries for your holly bush.
When Do Holly Bushes Produce Red Berries?
You will start seeing red berries on your holly bush in the Fall. The red berries will ripen and stay on the holly bush throughout the winter months adding that famous pop of red that holly berries are famous for!
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