Question
QUESTION: Jim,
I'm not sure if I picked the right category, but you might provide all the info I need.  We have 2 Steed Holly plants in their original plastic pots, and they've been outdoors for the past 4 months (Northern VA).  I'm familiar with most plants and their relative care and disease control, but hollies are a different story.  They are about 2 feet tall and were a nice dark green color, but recently - and despite watering - the leaves are turning a brown shade.  Now, the leaves are really falling off (yet), but this shade of brown doesn't seem water-shortage based.  Could they be root bound?  The pots are 6-8" diameter.  We want to plant them (lots of digging due to lots of clay) but hesitate if they're diseased.  What are your thoughts?  Thanks.

ANSWER: Sounds like either root bound, winter burn  or lack of water. I would go ahead and plant them out where you want them. Dig the hole twice the size of the root ball (take them out of the pot) and as deep and fill with good top soil or potting soil-mulch with not more than 3 inches of organic mulch and water about every third day for a couple of months then once a week.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Jim,
Although winter burn is unlikely (outside all winter), you're likely correct about they're being root bound.  Your advice about how to plant is excellent.
Last question: What are your thoughts about where to plant them?  Full sun, late afternoon sun, etc.?  

And, rest assured that I ALWAYS rate the experts' responses.  Your wonderful advice will be noted, too.  Always appreciate the experts on this site!  Thanks.

Answer
Full sunlight is best for these to assume their full potential. Many of these plants will do fine with a little less sunlight. Areas on the southern and western sides of buildings usually are the sunniest. The only exception is when houses or buildings are so close together, shadows are cast from neighboring properties. Full sun usually means 6 or more hours of direct unobstructed sunlight on a sunny day.