Ilex, also known as holly, is a very easy-care plant that can be planted individually, in tubs or as a hedge. The evergreen shrub does not grow very tall and also grows very slowly, so pruning is not absolutely necessary.

Holly should not be severely pruned between March and October

Do you need to cut Ilex?

Ilex grows a maximum of 15 cm per year. It keeps its shape for a very long time and does not have to be trimmed.

However, if you want to cut your holly, you can do so without worrying.

When cutting, make sure that you only cut off branches and twigs. If you divide the leaves, they will turn brown at the cut edges and make the Ilex unsightly.

The best time to cut Ilex

In principle, you can cut Ilex at any time. However, the best time to do this is in the summer from July to August. Then the holly is full of juice and grows back best.

Since birds like to use holly hedges for breeding, check beforehand whether there are still nests in the holly. If necessary, postpone the pruning to a later date or cut generously around the nest.

Do not cut Ilex hedges too often

Unlike other hedge plants, Ilex does not like being cut back too often. As a rule, a single cut per year is sufficient.

Keep in mind that it will take quite a while before the hedge is properly tight again.

Ilex as a Christmas decoration

With its decorative red, brown and yellow berries, the holly is a wonderful Christmas decoration and is therefore often cut in winter. Use a frost-free day for this.

Cutting is also possible during the cold season without hesitation. However, since the birds need the berries for food in winter, you should not cut too much so that enough fruit remains on the bush.

Cut cuttings for propagation

If you cut Ilex in summer, you can gain fresh shoots for propagation via cuttings.

  • Cut shoots 7 to 10 cm long
  • choose branches that are not woody
  • remove lower leaves
  • sprinkle with rooting powder
  • put in pots with sand/peat mixture
  • keep moist
  • set up at about 16 degrees

Now you need a lot of patience, because it takes quite a while for the first roots to form. If the first new shoot tips appear, you can put the young Ilex in the desired location.

Be careful when cutting!

Most Ilex species have leaves with a leaf edge that is sometimes very sharply jagged. You should therefore always wear sturdy gardening gloves when cutting so that you do not injure your hands.

Most holly species are poisonous. Make sure that the sap that escapes when you cut it cannot get on your bare skin.

tips

Ilex cannot only be propagated by cuttings. It works faster and easier if you use sinkers.

Category:

Herbs