Question
I planted 2 about 4 - 5 ' apart.  Northeast exposure - hot midday sun...shade in morning and early evening - good drainage (soil rich in iron)One pencil is doing well (planted about 6-7 months ago). The other has a row of holly that has dried up and turned from healthy green to dried up sage green.  The branches tend toawrd brittle.  Other leaves are turning brown and drying out.  I have just begun watering it more.  Any suggestions?

Answer
Sounds like you may lose this one.  Check the stem at the soil line for cracks and splits.  IF you see any wounds this would result in the plant not being able to take up enough water to support the top growth.  The other thought is too much water causing a root rot which would result in the plant drying up as well.  Check each of these and see if there is a water problem. If neither of these seem to be the problem, please respond back with further observations and we will go in a different direction.  Thanks.