Hollies in Kansas?

I've just purchased 3 holly bushes, 1 Blue Prince and 2 Blue Princesses, because they were 75% off and I just couldn't resist. I know our stores sometimes sell things that are only marginally okay for this area and I know most hollies prefer an acid pH which we don't have. We're not nearly as alkaline as western Kansas but fairly marginal for acid loving plants. Could anyone give me any tips to help me get them off to the best start possible? I'd really love for these to do well.
Thanks,
Kathy

I had some growing at our other house where the soil was not acid. I planted them as usual by adding some peat moss and root stimulant and let them grow the first year without anything else. The second year I started using an acid type fertilizer (I used the same one I put on my azaleas) and they grew real well and had great color.

Thanks for the help. I have peat moss to use in the planting and I know I can get Miracid or something similar locally. Do you think a pine needle mulch would help? I don't have pines but can surely find some.

Your blue hollies should do just fine in your zone. They adapt to non-acid soil, but will grow best if you use an acid fertilizer (organic 'Holly Tone' is great). In acid soils, they can get up to 7', but usually stay under 4' in other soils. They will grow in full sun to open shade. Good luck.

Pine needles would be better than peat. Peat is not good for adding to soil.

Resin

Thanks for the info. I'm excited about seeing these little guys grow. Actually I'm glad to hear they don't get quite so big without the acid soil as I think I planted them closer than I should have for the size on the tag. They should be about right now. I've heard that peatmoss isn't particularly good for the soil, but have some so I did use it, but think I'll mulch at the top with pine needles. Thank you for the help.

The Canadian Sphagnum Peat Moss Association has a very different take on using peat as a soil conditioner.

http://www.peatmoss.com/index.php

This message was edited Jul 5, 2008 4:55 PM

Probably peat is as not popular to use in the UK as it is here. We do have quite different soil types and conditions though.

If using peat as a soil conditioner is causing environmental problems then I guess I would be a huge contributor to the problem. It has been a main stay of my soil amendment program for 35 yrs. All my beds are dug to a depth of 18" to two feet. Any sod removed is placed upside down at the bottom of the hole. The soil is returned with 1/3 the total volume in peat and 1/3 in compost. When it settles the result is a raised bed of about 10" to 12". I have extremely sandy soil, pH 6.5. The native soil is here ancient sand dune. It's important to me to maintain or increase the acidity of the soil because I'm a huge fan of the Ericaceae family. Peat moss as a soil amendment is also recommended by The Ohio State University Extension program in various publications.

http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1236.html

I, too, would be a contributor to the problem as I've amended my soil with peat for planting for the past 40+ years. My father always swore by it too. And I must say, our plants were/are always very healthy and beautiful.

Well you all make me feel much better about my peat moss usage. I haven't ever used alot because with compost my soil is really very good, but I have added it around things that I know like a little more acid soil or better water retention. I have now and then heard some negative but couldn't remember specifically what about. I think the major concern has been about it's not being as renewable a resource as many things just because it takes such a very long time to develop. I guess I'll just continue to use it in moderation. Compost and pony pooh are the backbone of my ammendments and I know I'll have plenty more of those quite quickly.