Are you sure that is a holly? Looks more like Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Variegata' or 'Goshiki' or variegated false holly. And aside from the bare area at the base, some dead leaves and a few leaf spots, it looks pretty much the way it should at this time of year.

Where are you located and how has the weather been both last season and so far this year? It looks like it is drought stressed. And maybe some cold damage as well.

Hi gardengal,

Actually I'm not sure the actual name. I thought it is a holly. I'm in zoom 7b and this winter was pretty mild. Less than 10 days in the 20s. Everything is awake and growing at this time. 

I hope it is only drought instead of disease.

Thanks

Elsa

Hi gardengal,

So, is there anything I should do or just leave it alone?

Thanks

Elsa

Since we are not sure exactly what you have growing nor what has caused the issues it is showing, there's not a lot I can suggest you do. Do some selective pruning out of any dead portions and clean up and remove all the debris underneath. Make sure it gets plenty of irrigation as necessary but don't drown it or keep it too wet.

IMO, it is not an insect problem nor a disease.....but I could be wrong :-)

Gardengal,

Will do. Thanks for your help.

Elsa

We can tell you for certain this is not a Holly because it has opposite foliage. Holly is alternate. I would concur that it is Osmanthus heterophyllus.

It is def. Osmanthus heterophyllus 'Goshiki' and many died or fried this last winter from the December cold plunge. Did you say where you live? So I would guess cold damage.

How cold did it get there? Heterophyllus is the hardiest species of Osmanthus and can tolerate temps as low as -5F. A few days or "less than 10 days in the 20's" should have been of no concern.

Dave, 

I'm at zone 7b. There was less than 10 days under 20s this winter. If it is cold damage, I'm not worried as it will grow back anyway. 

Thanks

Elsa