Luke I have problems getting mine to bloom too.
Wow I forgot to check back here.
For my problem I think it is the winter wind.
The fact that its pink on one side and blue on the other is curious since I don't fertilize it to speak of. I use mulch around it though. I'll try the potato sack thing. Do they sell burlap at HD?
My japanese holly need protection too. The blue holly are tougher than nails and always rebound well after harsh winter. The wind where we live is incredible at times.
" is more n no sense" - Carla
You can use landscape fabric as well. I got rid of all mine that don,t bloom on new growth. They have multiple colors on the same plant when they are changing colors .The plant will eventually complet its change and bloom on e color usually takes about two years. I use the old drust nail method as well.
YADA X 16 proud member of the blabbermouth club Have faith and hope in your self and each other and the world will be yours TINA