European holly is one of those garden plants that do not require any pruning for healthy growth. However, you can bring the holly into shape with a targeted and considered cut or use it as a Christmas decoration.

The branches of the holly are often used as Christmas decorations

This is something to keep in mind when pruning your holly

If the holly is to be used as a privacy screen, then be careful when pruning, then the holly only grows about 15 cm a year. Only use clean and, above all, sharp cutting tools, otherwise the branches will be crushed rather than cut.

The holly as a Christmas decoration

In many countries such as England or France, the winter branches of holly with the bright red berries are a popular Christmas decoration. They are also really very decorative. Unfortunately, the pretty berries are very toxic to humans. Be sure to destroy fallen berries immediately so small children don't put them in their mouths.

However, the fruits are also an important feed for many native bird species. So leave enough berries for the birds to eat. As a thank you, the birds will multiply your ilex with their droppings. However, it takes a lot of time until germination, you need a lot of patience until the first young plants can be seen.

The holly as a hedge plant

Both European and Japanese holly are suitable for planting a hedge. However, the Japanese holly is not as hardy as the European. However, both species are poisonous and do not necessarily belong within the reach of small children. Eating the berries is also potentially fatal for many pets.

The holly as a bonsai

The Japanese holly is particularly suitable for a bonsai. It has smaller leaves than European holly and a nice compact habit. It is also very pruning friendly, but also grows very slowly. In a mild area, you can also grow Japanese holly as an outdoor bonsai, an ornament in a Japanese-style garden, for example.

The essentials in brief:

  • grows very slowly
  • just cut back carefully
  • Prune the hedge once a year
  • very decorative Christmas decorations
  • always use clean and sharp tools
  • popular winter food for native birds
  • Japanese holly is particularly suitable as a bonsai

tips

Don't prune your holly too often, it's a slow grower. For a holly hedge, once a year is enough.

Category:

Vegetable garden