Images Depict Mature Plants
Drops of Gold Holly
Ilex crenata 'Drops of Gold' Plant Patent #14420
Drops of Gold Holly features vibrant golden-yellow new growth that contrasts beautifully with dark green foliage, adding a bright, year-round accent to any garden. Its deer-resistant nature and compact, rounded form make it ideal for borders, foundation plantings, or as a striking focal point in landscape beds.
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Drops of Gold Holly
Drops of Gold Holly (Ilex crenata' Drops of Gold') is a striking evergreen shrub known for its vibrant, golden-yellow new growth, contrasting beautifully with the mature dark green foliage beneath. This eye-catching color makes Drops of Gold Holly an ideal choice for adding a burst of brightness to any garden setting. Growing to a height and spread of 3 to 4 feet, it has a naturally rounded and compact growth habit that works well in mixed borders, foundation plantings, and as a stunning focal point in landscape beds. The bright yellow tones make this holly perfect for creating visual interest and adding year-round color to your outdoor space.
Drops of Gold Holly thrives in USDA zones 6-9 and is adaptable to both full sun and partial shade, although planting it in full sun will help enhance its vibrant yellow color. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and is tolerant of a variety of soil types, making it versatile for different garden environments. This holly is relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain its neat, rounded shape. The unique two-tone foliage of Drops of Gold Holly adds a splash of brightness. It provides a beautiful texture to your garden, making it an excellent companion plant in mixed borders or as a backdrop for colorful flowering perennials.
In addition to its stunning appearance, Drops of Gold Holly is deer-resistant, making it a reliable choice for landscapes in areas with high deer activity. Whether planted as a low hedge, an accent plant, or in containers to brighten patios and entryways, this holly's vibrant foliage adds an unparalleled visual appeal. Its compact size and brilliant color make Drops of Gold Holly an exceptional choice for gardeners looking to enhance their landscape with year-round, low-maintenance beauty that stands out throughout every season.
| Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Classification: | Broad leaved evergreen shrub |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part sun |
| Habit: | Dwarf, densely branched |
| Foliage: | Clear yellow, doesn't burn in full sun |
| Flower Color: | Inconspicuous |
| Pruning Season: | Prune in late spring to maintain shape |
| Soil Condition: | Any well drained soil |
| Water Requirements: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as in the mixed border, rock gardens, or planted in mass |
How to Care for Drops of Gold Holly
Before you buy a Drops of Gold Holly Shrub, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How Do I Plant Drops of Gold Holly Shrubs?
To plant Drops of Gold Holly shrubs, start by selecting a location with well-drained soil and exposure to full sun to partial shade. Full sun will help enhance the vibrant golden-yellow foliage, making the colors even more striking. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep to provide ample room for root development. Position the shrub in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, ensuring proper drainage and avoiding root rot. Backfill the hole with a mixture of native soil and compost to improve soil structure and nutrients, then water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. A 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub will help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, but make sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. If you are planting multiple Drops of Gold Holly shrubs for a hedge or border, space them about 3 to 4 feet apart, measuring from the center of each plant. This spacing allows the shrubs to grow together to form a dense and attractive hedge while maintaining good air circulation, which is crucial for preventing disease. During the first growing season, provide consistent watering to help establish a strong root system. Drops of Gold Holly is adaptable to a variety of soil types, but it performs best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil. With the right planting techniques and care, Drops of Gold Holly will thrive and add brilliant year-round color to your landscape, whether used as a hedge, a foundation planting, or a focal point in mixed garden beds.
How Do I Water Drops of Gold Holly Shrubs?
To properly water Drops of Gold Holly shrubs, focus on deep, consistent watering, especially during the first year after planting to help establish a healthy root system. Water the shrub deeply once a week, ensuring that the moisture reaches a depth of 6 to 8 inches to promote strong root growth. During hot or dry periods, increase the watering frequency to prevent the soil from drying out completely, which could lead to stress and affect the bright golden foliage. It is best to water at the base of the shrub to avoid wetting the leaves, as excess moisture on the foliage can lead to fungal diseases. Adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, reducing the need for frequent watering. Once Drops of Gold Holly is well-established, it becomes more drought-tolerant and will require less frequent watering. However, during prolonged dry spells or high heat, deep watering every 10 to 14 days will help maintain its lush, vibrant appearance. Regularly check the soil moisture by digging a few inches down—if the soil feels dry, it's time to water. It is important to avoid overwatering, as Drops of Gold Holly prefers well-drained soil and can suffer from root rot if left in overly wet conditions. By following proper watering practices, your Drops of Gold Holly will maintain its stunning golden-yellow and green foliage, adding year-round visual interest and beauty to your garden.
How Do I Fertilize Drops of Gold Holly Shrubs?
To fertilize Drops of Gold Holly shrubs, apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring just before new growth begins. A fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 works well to provide essential nutrients, promoting healthy root development and vibrant, golden-yellow foliage. Spread the fertilizer evenly around the base of the shrub, but make sure to keep it a few inches away from the trunk to avoid root burn. After fertilizing, water the area thoroughly to help the nutrients penetrate the soil and reach the root zone. This early spring feeding ensures your Drops of Gold Holly has everything it needs to support lush growth and maintain its striking color throughout the season. In addition to the spring application, Drops of Gold Holly may benefit from a second, lighter feeding in mid-summer, especially if it is planted in nutrient-poor soil or showing signs of nutrient deficiency. Incorporating organic compost around the base of the shrub can also help enrich the soil, providing slow-release nutrients that support long-term growth. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as excessive feeding can lead to overly rapid growth, which may weaken the plant and affect its compact, rounded form. With proper fertilization, Drops of Gold Holly will thrive, showcasing its brilliant yellow and green foliage, and adding year-round color and texture to your landscape.
How Do I Prune Drops of Gold Holly Shrubs?
To prune Drops of Gold Holly shrubs, start by performing light pruning in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This timing allows the shrub to recover quickly and ensures healthy, vigorous growth throughout the season. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches to improve airflow and promote overall plant health. While Drops of Gold Holly maintains a naturally compact and rounded shape, light pruning can help shape the shrub and encourage denser growth, enhancing its golden foliage display. Trim back any wayward branches to maintain a neat form, making it perfect for use as a low hedge, border, or accent shrub in your garden. For ongoing maintenance, Drops of Gold Holly may require minimal pruning throughout the growing season, particularly if it starts to lose its desired shape or becomes too dense. Avoid heavy pruning late in the growing season, as this can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by winter frost. If your Drops of Gold Holly is used in a formal landscape or as a manicured hedge, periodic trimming will help keep the hedge uniform and attractive. Always aim to remove no more than one-third of the plant at a time to minimize stress. With regular, careful pruning, your Drops of Gold Holly will maintain its vibrant, golden foliage and lush, compact form, providing year-round beauty and visual interest in your landscape.
