Holly bushes are beloved for their glossy evergreen foliage and bright berries, but keeping them healthy and vibrant requires the right balance of care especially when it comes to nutrition. Fertilizers for holly bushes play a crucial role in supporting their growth, enhancing color, and boosting berry production.
For lush, evergreen growth, holly bushes thrive with fertilizers like Espoma Organic Holly-Tone, a 4-3-4 acid-loving formula with sulfur. Balanced options such as 10-10-10 synthetic blends also work well. Liquid fertilizers feed quickly, while granular and spike forms offer slow, sustained nutrition. Proper timing, soil pH between 5.0–6.0, and comprehension of organic versus synthetic choices all contribute to healthy, berry-rich hollies. There’s more to optimizing their performance.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best fertilizer options, how to use them effectively, and tips to keep your holly bushes thriving year-round.
| Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food |
| Best Overall | Fertilizer Type: Granular plant food | Target Plants: Acid-loving plants (azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, etc.) | NPK Ratio: 4-3-4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food |
| Best Value | Fertilizer Type: Granular plant food | Target Plants: Acid-loving plants (azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, etc.) | NPK Ratio: 4-3-4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Holly Fertilizer for All Holly Bush Varieties |
| Specialized Liquid Formula | Fertilizer Type: Liquid fertilizer | Target Plants: Holly bushes, holly trees, acid-loving evergreens, azaleas, camellias, and other landscape plants craving acidic conditions | NPK Ratio: Balanced NPK profile (exact ratio not specified) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food |
| Best Bulk Option | Fertilizer Type: Granular plant food | Target Plants: Acid-loving plants (azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, etc.) | NPK Ratio: 4-3-4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes |
| Convenient Spike Application | Fertilizer Type: Spikes | Target Plants: Deciduous, flowering, and evergreen trees; suitable for acid-loving plants | NPK Ratio: Not specified in provided details | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Fertilizer (2-Pack) |
| Best Two-Pack | Fertilizer Type: Granular plant food | Target Plants: Acid-loving plants (azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, etc.) | NPK Ratio: 4-3-4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Parent (1) |
| Original Formula | Fertilizer Type: Granular plant food | Target Plants: Acid-loving plants (holly, azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, etc.) | NPK Ratio: 4-3-4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food |
| Professional Grade | Fertilizer Type: Granular plant food | Target Plants: Acid-loving plants (rhododendrons, hydrangeas, azaleas, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, etc.) | NPK Ratio: 4-3-4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food |
| Best Multi-Pack | Fertilizer Type: Granular plant food | Target Plants: Acid-loving plants (azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, etc.) | NPK Ratio: 4-3-4 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food
Should you desire a natural, acid-loving plant fertilizer that keeps holly bushes, azaleas, and other evergreens vigorously green with minimal effort, Espoma Organic Holly-Tone 4-3-4 is an ideal choice. You get a balanced 4-3-4 analysis with 5% sulfur to support deep green foliage and maintain the acidic soil hollies love. This slow-release, granular formula relies on natural and organic ingredients plus Espoma’s Bio-tone microbes, so it won’t burn roots or leach away. Simply sprinkle it around the drip line in spring and fall, then water. It’s approved for organic gardening and needs no mixing.
- Fertilizer Type:Granular plant food
- Target Plants:Acid-loving plants (azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, etc.)
- NPK Ratio:4-3-4
- Sulfur Content:5% sulfur
- Organic Status:Approved for organic gardening; registered Organic Input Material
- Application Method:Apply around drip line, water thoroughly
- Additional Feature:Bio-tone enriched formula
- Additional Feature:No mixing required
- Additional Feature:No sludges or toxins
Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food
Should you grow holly bushes or other acid-loving plants like azaleas and rhododendrons, Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food is one of the best fertilizers you can choose. Its 4-3-4 analysis with 5% sulfur gently acidifies soil while feeding, making leaves deeper green and blooms more vivid. You get a slow-release, organic blend improved with Bio-tone microbes, so nutrients become available steadily over time. Apply it in spring and again in fall, sprinkling around the drip line and watering well. It’s ready to use, safe, and approved for organic gardening.
- Fertilizer Type:Granular plant food
- Target Plants:Acid-loving plants (azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, etc.)
- NPK Ratio:4-3-4
- Sulfur Content:5% sulfur
- Organic Status:Approved for organic gardening; registered Organic Input Material
- Application Method:Apply around drip line, water thoroughly
- Additional Feature:Pack of two bags
- Additional Feature:Slow nutrient breakdown
- Additional Feature:Versatile acid-plant use
Holly Fertilizer for All Holly Bush Varieties
For a wide mix of holly varieties—from foundation shrubs to privacy hedges—this liquid TPS Plant Foods holly fertilizer offers an easy, all-in-one solution that targets the specific needs of holly and other acid-loving evergreens. You’ll get a balanced NPK profile plus essential micronutrients in a compact 8 oz bottle made in the USA, formulated to promote deep green foliage, dense branching, and sturdy roots. Apply it with a watering can or sprayer for fast absorption, quick enhancements, and routine feeding for hollies, azaleas, camellias, and more, supporting bold color, vigor, and year-round scenery beauty.
- Fertilizer Type:Liquid fertilizer
- Target Plants:Holly bushes, holly trees, acid-loving evergreens, azaleas, camellias, and other landscape plants craving acidic conditions
- NPK Ratio:Balanced NPK profile (exact ratio not specified)
- Sulfur Content:Not specified in provided details
- Organic Status:Not specified in provided details
- Application Method:Watering can or sprayer
- Additional Feature:Liquid fast absorption
- Additional Feature:Balanced NPK plus micronutrients
- Additional Feature:Ideal for new ornamentals
Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food
Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food suits gardeners who want an all-natural, acid-loving plant fertilizer that keeps holly bushes lush, green, and blooming without synthetic chemicals. Its 4-3-4 nutrient analysis with about 5% sulfur gently acidifies soil, supporting deep green foliage and steady growth. You can safely use it on hollies, azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, blueberries, camellias, evergreens, and strawberries. Apply the granular, ready-to-use formula around the drip line in spring and fall, then water thoroughly for slow-release feeding that’s approved for organic gardening.
- Fertilizer Type:Granular plant food
- Target Plants:Acid-loving plants (azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, etc.)
- NPK Ratio:4-3-4
- Sulfur Content:5% sulfur
- Organic Status:Approved for organic gardening; registered Organic Input Material
- Application Method:Apply around drip line, water thoroughly
- Additional Feature:Larger 8 lb size
- Additional Feature:Long-lasting organic nutrients
- Additional Feature:Ready-to-use granules
Miracle-Gro Tree & Shrub Plant Food Spikes
You’ll apply them just twice a year, in spring and fall. Place the spikes around the shrub’s drip line, spacing them at least 3 feet apart. Each 12-pack feeds three smaller hollies or one large shrub, simplifying fertilizing across your surroundings.
- Fertilizer Type:Spikes
- Target Plants:Deciduous, flowering, and evergreen trees; suitable for acid-loving plants
- NPK Ratio:Not specified in provided details
- Sulfur Content:Not specified in provided details
- Organic Status:Not specified in provided details
- Application Method:Place spikes around drip line
- Additional Feature:Pre-measured fertilizer spikes
- Additional Feature:Once-per-season feeding
- Additional Feature:Direct root delivery
Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Fertilizer (2-Pack)
You’ll apply it dry around the drip line in spring and fall, then water it in—no mixing required. Each 2-pack provides two 4-pound bags, made in the USA and free of sludges or toxic ingredients.
- Fertilizer Type:Granular plant food
- Target Plants:Acid-loving plants (azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, etc.)
- NPK Ratio:4-3-4
- Sulfur Content:5% sulfur
- Organic Status:Approved for organic gardening; registered Organic Input Material
- Application Method:Apply around drip line, water thoroughly
- Additional Feature:Two 4 lb bags
- Additional Feature:Exclusive Bio-tone formula
- Additional Feature:Environmentally safe ingredients
Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Parent (1)
Holly-tone stands out as the original acid-loving plant food, making it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a comprehensive solution customized specifically to acid-demanding species. You get a 4-3-4 nutrient analysis with 5% sulfur, so you feed foliage, roots, and overall health while helping maintain acidic soil. It’s ideal for holly, azaleas, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, blueberries, evergreens, camellias, and strawberries. Use it in spring and fall for shrubs, and beginning and late spring for berries. Simply spread it around the drip line, water in, and you’re done. It’s fully organic and toxin-free.
- Fertilizer Type:Granular plant food
- Target Plants:Acid-loving plants (holly, azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, etc.)
- NPK Ratio:4-3-4
- Sulfur Content:5% sulfur
- Organic Status:Approved for organic gardening; registered Organic Input Material
- Application Method:Apply around drip line, water thoroughly
- Additional Feature:Original Holly-tone formulation
- Additional Feature:Wide plant compatibility
- Additional Feature:Established since 1929
Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food
Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food stands out should you desire an all-in-one, organic fertilizer customized for holly and other acid-loving shrubs. It’s a natural 4-3-4 formula with 5% sulfur to gently acidify soil and support deep green foliage and strong growth. You’ll love that it’s slow-release, so nutrients feed plants steadily without burning roots. Just sprinkle it around the drip line in spring and fall, then water it in. It’s approved for organic gardening and safe around kids and pets, making it a smart, simple choice for lush, healthy hollies.
- Fertilizer Type:Granular plant food
- Target Plants:Acid-loving plants (rhododendrons, hydrangeas, azaleas, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, etc.)
- NPK Ratio:4-3-4
- Sulfur Content:5% sulfur
- Organic Status:Approved for organic gardening; registered Organic Input Material
- Application Method:Apply around drip line, water thoroughly
- Additional Feature:Bulk 36 lb bag
- Additional Feature:Slow-release organics
- Additional Feature:Ideal for large plantings
Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food
Gardeners who want an organic, slow-release fertilizer customized to acid-loving shrubs like holly will appreciate Espoma Organic Holly-Tone Evergreen & Azalea Plant Food’s 4-3-4 formula with added sulfur and Bio-tone microbes, which steadily feeds plants while helping maintain the acidic soil they need to stay deep green and vigorous. You can use it on hollies, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, evergreens, hydrangeas, blueberries, and strawberries without mixing or measuring liquids. Apply it in spring and again in fall around each shrub’s drip line, then water well so nutrients move into the root zone.
- Fertilizer Type:Granular plant food
- Target Plants:Acid-loving plants (azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, blueberries, evergreens, strawberries, camellias, etc.)
- NPK Ratio:4-3-4
- Sulfur Content:5% sulfur
- Organic Status:Approved for organic gardening; registered Organic Input Material
- Application Method:Apply around drip line, water thoroughly
- Additional Feature:Pack of three bags
- Additional Feature:Long-lasting nutrient reservoir
- Additional Feature:Meets organic production requirements
Factors to Consider When Choosing Fertilizer for Holly Bushes
Upon selecting fertilizer for holly bushes, the gardener must initially match the product to the shrub’s preferred acidic soil pH, typically around 5.0–6.0, and choose an appropriate NPK ratio with added sulfur to support both nutrition and acidity. It is also necessary to weigh granular versus liquid formulations and organic versus synthetic inputs, since these differ in ease of application, soil-building benefits, and risk of fertilizer burn. Finally, the release speed and longevity of the fertilizer—fast-acting versus slow-release—determine how steadily nutrients are supplied and how often applications are needed throughout the growing season.
Soil Ph Requirements
Although fertilizer choice is essential for holly bushes, their ability to use those nutrients depends primarily on maintaining acidic soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.0, the range in which hollies most efficiently absorb vital minerals. Soil pH directly controls nutrient availability; in alkaline conditions, key micronutrients become insoluble, leading to chlorosis, poor growth, and reduced vigor. Regular soil testing allows gardeners to track pH drift and determine when amendments are required.
To correct rising pH, elemental sulfur, acid-forming organic fertilizers, or amendments labeled for acid-loving plants can be applied. Maintaining this acidic range not only optimizes fertilization efforts but also improves overall robustness, helping holly bushes better withstand environmental stress, pest pressure, and disease challenges.
NPK Ratio and Sulfur
Fertilizer selection for holly bushes begins with grasping both the NPK ratio and the role of sulfur in supporting these acid-loving plants. A balanced NPK formulation, such as 4-3-4, supplies nitrogen for dense evergreen foliage, phosphorus for strong root systems, and potassium for comprehensive vigor and stress tolerance.
Nitrogen drives shoot and leaf production, phosphorus supports nutrient uptake and establishment, and potassium improves disease resistance and cold hardiness. Sulfur frequently appears in fertilizers for acid-loving shrubs because it gently lowers soil pH and boosts the availability of these core nutrients. In slightly acidic conditions, holly roots access nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients more efficiently, so recurring applications of NPK plus sulfur sustain plant health across the growing season.
Granular vs. Liquid Form
Granular and liquid fertilizers each offer distinct advantages for holly bushes, so the choice depends on whether the priority is sustained feeding or rapid nutrient uptake. Granular products provide slow-release nutrition, breaking down gradually to deliver a steady supply of nutrients over several months with fewer applications.
They can also subtly improve soil structure as they decompose, supporting moisture retention and aeration around holly roots. In contrast, liquid fertilizers are absorbed quickly, making nutrients immediately available for fast response during active growth or stress. However, they typically require more frequent applications, often every few weeks, and primarily address short-term nutrient needs. Many gardeners combine both forms: granular for baseline, long-term feeding, and liquid for occasional, targeted enhancements.
Organic vs. Synthetic Inputs
Synthetic fertilizers, in contrast, are chemically manufactured for rapid nutrient availability and precise ratios, giving quick greening and flushes of new growth. However, repeated use can disrupt soil biology, increase salt buildup, and raise the risk of runoff and groundwater contamination, particularly during overapplication.
Release Speed and Longevity
Beyond the choice between organic and synthetic products, the speed at which a fertilizer releases nutrients and how long it remains effective strongly influences holly performance. Fast-release fertilizers deliver nutrients quickly, supporting rapid growth but requiring more frequent applications and increasing leaching risk. Slow-release options, including many organic and coated synthetic fertilizers, gradually supply nutrients over weeks or months, improving soil retention and reducing runoff.
This extended availability matches holly’s steady growth pattern, especially during active spring and fall periods. Release speed and longevity depend on formulation, soil temperature, moisture, and microbial activity. For holly bushes, a balanced, slow-release fertilizer customized for acid-loving plants provides consistent nutrition, minimizes stress from overfeeding, and supports sustained, healthy growth.
Application Ease and Frequency
How easily a fertilizer can be applied and how often it must be used are practical considerations that directly affect holly care. Gardeners who prefer minimal maintenance often choose slow‑release granules or spikes that need feeding only once in spring and once in fall, aligning with holly’s main growth periods.
Products labeled ready‑to‑use reduce preparation time, while concentrates that must be mixed with water demand more effort but can deliver nutrients quickly. Regardless of form, fertilizer should be spread around the drip line, not against the trunk, to target the active root zone efficiently. Berry-producing hollies might benefit from regular feeding in the beginning and late spring, so ease of application directly shapes how consistently those schedules are followed.
Plant Age and Growth Stage
Because nutrient demands change as hollies develop, fertilizer choice should reflect the bush’s age and growth stage rather than relying on a one‑size‑fits‑all product. Young holly bushes benefit from higher nitrogen formulations to drive leafy growth and rapid establishment, paired with phosphorus to encourage strong root systems.
As plants mature, their needs become more balanced; fertilizers with moderate, even N‑P‑K ratios better support flowering, berry set, and long-term structure. Initially in a holly’s life, single spring feedings often suffice, focusing on root and shoot vigor. Established shrubs, however, typically respond well to spring and fall applications that build foliage density and resilience, helping them withstand heat, drought, and cold while maintaining lush, evergreen growth.
Local Climate and Soil Type
While holly bushes are adaptable, local climate and soil type heavily influence which fertilizer will work best. Cooler, temperate regions with well-drained, naturally acidic soils generally support holly health with modest applications of an acid-forming, slow-release fertilizer in the initial spring and fall.
In warmer or wetter climates, where nutrient leaching is greater, a slow-release formula helps maintain steady nutrient availability between applications. Sandy soils lose nutrients quickly, so lighter, more frequent feeding is often beneficial, whereas clay soils hold nutrients longer but could need organic amendments to improve drainage before fertilization. Because holly prefers a soil pH of about 4.5–6.0, periodic soil testing guides whether additional soil acidifiers or specialized acid-loving plant fertilizers are needed to keep nutrients accessible and growth vigorous.
