Ornamental Holly Bush

Hi, when we moved in there was a Holly bush with fairly small leaves, different from your typical green Holly that you normally see. 2 years on it doesn't have any leaves, and I,m thinking it didn't survive the winter. Am I right in thinking that it should be evergreen so always have leaves on? It looks completely dead, so I'm thinking I should dig it up and start again?

I bought a silver queen Ilex from wilko,s but it's fairly small at the mo. Thinking this would be a good replacement as the original bush was no more than 70cm high.

Is my Holly dead?!

Thanks

 

Just looked back at some old photos, would definitely say it's dead. This time last year it was covered in leaves...

 

Hi Leave a little bit longer as holly can lose all the leaves if given a shock ie just planted bare root or a realy cold winter I have two new standards one has had its leaves burnt and the other hasnt both had the same treatment , holly take forever to grow so patience is needed but once established can cope with all the weather has to offer

Another thing you can check is use the scrath method and see if he bark is still alive

Spruce

 

Hi, thanks for your replies. Well there is some hope......on closer inspection there is a new shoot coming from the base. But the rest does look dead and feels dead as well. Wonder if I should wait and see or cut off the bush and allow the new shoot some light and room to grow.