Pruning holly bushes is a fall or winter task

Q. My holly bushes are getting leggy and I am wondering how and when to prune them.

A. Congratulations on successfully growing holly. Although they are hardy, they prefer moist acidic soil and protection from our winter wind and sun.

Hollies usually need minimal pruning. Because they form flower buds the summer before flowering and fruiting, severe pruning at any time can greatly impact the fruit display. Many gardeners do light pruning in fall and winter and use the berry-covered twigs for decorations. (Just keep these out of the reach of pets and children.)

Major pruning can be done in late winter. Remove older non-productive branches. Cut long wayward branches back to shorter adjoining branches or above a healthy bud. You will sacrifice fruit that year but bring your leggy plants back to a more attractive size and shape.

This is also a good time to evaluate the growing conditions. Hollies need protection from winter wind and sun, but too much shade can cause plants to be leggy and unkempt in appearance. Once you evaluate available sunlight, decide if the long-term solution is moving the plants to a better location or just pruning.

Q. Is it too late to plant a hydrangea?

A. Fall is a great time to plant. The soil is warm and air is cool, so the plants suffer less transplant shock. Plus the roots continue to grow even after the leaves drop.

Be sure to water thoroughly at planting and whenever the top few inches of soil are crumbing and moist. Continue to water as needed until the ground freezes.

Spread a two-inch layer of shredded bark or wood chips over the soil surface. Pull the mulch back from the trunk of the tree.

Proper care is always important but especially in the first few years

when trees and shrubs become established in their new location.

Q. We just found out the house we rent is being foreclosed and we will be moving this winter. I have moved my perennials in pots in the past but would like to avoid this. Do you think I could bare root the plants, cover roots in peat moss or sand and store them in the garage for the winter? Or is this just wishful thinking?

A. As you discovered through past experience, digging, potting and caring for perennials as container plants is the best way to manage them until they can be replanted. Consider using this method for any heirloom, extremely expensive or otherwise special plant that you would hate to lose.

Digging the plants and storing them bare root is done commercially but less often by home gardeners. Nurseries have large coolers with controlled temperature, air movement and humidity to ensure survival. But as gardeners, we are always pushing the limits.

Dig, gently wash the soil off the roots and cover them with damp peat moss or sawdust. Wrap the roots in newspaper. The challenge will be keeping them consistently cold, but frost free, throughout the winter. Fluctuating outdoor temperatures can mean the plants are exposed to warm temperatures that promote growth — and extremely cold temperatures that can damage the roots.

You might try placing several bare root plants upright in a container. Position the plants with roots in the container covered with peat moss or sawdust and shoots sticking up above the container. You’ll save space and the larger mass may provide additional insulation. Email questions to Melinda Myers through melindamyers.com, or write her at P.O. Box 798, Mukwonago, WI 53149.