My Ilex verticillata died. The male lives. Soil test showed too acidic, too much calcium. What can I plant there almost as wonderful as the ilex?
The site is near the house (leaching foundation?). Perhaps I was overzealous in sprinkling Holly Tone.....
Answer
Lois, you could try adding some garden lime, just be sure it isn't calcitic lime (too much calcium), to knock down some of the acidity. There might be something else going on in the soil also--drainage, compacted soil, improperly planted. You could dig it up and check the roots. Then fix up the soil and try again. But if she dies try for something else. Maybe another holly. Cherry laurel is tough, evergreen, but doesn't have interesting flowers or seeds.