Abstract An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of fertilizer source, rate of application, and method of application on the release of nutrients over time using the pour-through method and to determine the growth response of Ilex cornuta Lindl. & Paxt. ‘Burfordii’ and Ilex × ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ holly to different multicoated controlled release fertilizers (CRF). Depending on the rate of application used, the three CRFs used in this study [Osmocote 17N-3P-9.9K (17-7-12), Sierrablen 17N-3P-8.3K (17-7-10), and High-N 24N-1.7P-5.8K (24-4-7)] provided adequate concentrations of nutrients for a minimum of 90 days after treatment. Fertilizer source had no effect on the growth of either holly used in this study. Good growth of ‘Burfordii’ and ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ holly was obtained at the rate of 1. 5 kg N/m3 (2. 5 lb N/yd3). Linear relationships between NO3-N and electrical conductivity using the pour-through method were established for ‘Burfordii’((NO3-N = 414 (electrical conductivity)) and ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ ((NO3−N =−11.4 + 425 (electrical conductivity)). Results of this study indicate that the nutrient sufficiency values for liquid fertilization programs with the pour-through method need to be adjusted for use with multicoated CRFs.