I have siwn 2 Holly shrubs, it must be at least 6 years ago. I have the King and the Queen. Neither have grown an inch in all that time. I have them sown about 2 metres apart. I've put tomato food on them but no luck. Any clues. They are still only about 14 inches high.
Any suggestions, I would be very grateful
No, you certainly don't leave them in the pot, unless it's one of the new biodegradable ones specially designed for the purpose.
We, also, bought a variegated holly that's at least as old as yours and that hasn't grown either. Perhaps holly is just very slow growing.
They do tend to suffer from the shock of transplanting and can take a while to settle in, before they get going especially if they are of the variegated variety.
Hopefully this will be their year.
Bernie, A mulch is a material which is put on the surface of the soil. it sopresses weeds but more importantly keeps the soil evenly moisture retaining. Bark chip is a good one, best about 4" deep. think of it mimicking a woodland floor.