It does look like drought may be the problem. I grew a holly in a large pot for a few years, so it’s worth a try. Mine was much taller…about 2m. And give it some shade too. Welcome to Goy.

Hi Heronbay, long time no see as they say.

Does it have black berries? thats unusual for a holly.

as you'd have to water a tub daily why not water it in the ground daily instead. Once established it will cope better in the ground. I have a holly in full sun and it is quite happy.

we've not had much rain of late which wont help.

Hi there , cottagekare , thank you for your reply , i have now planted the holly in a large tub , and trimmed a few small branches ,so as to encourage it - i hope ! looking better already , the weather this last week has been hot and sunny here in Kent , so am watering it well .
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Hi also , Seaburngirl , yes it has been a while , still here though , no it doesnt have black berries , haha - i think they got dried up ! going to give it a go in the Tub first .
Many thanks Both for you answers , i'm getting on a bit now ( just on 84 ) and the 'old' joints are playing up so not as agile as i used to be and have to be careful , guess it comes to all of us eventually - hence i have to have some help in the garden from a nice Lady gardener ! . keeeep- gardening ! ... i have another query coming up .