The holly, whose botanical name is ilex, is very popular as a substitute for boxwood. Due to its slow growth, it is also suitable for planting in containers and for breeding as a bonsai. What should you know about the roots of the Ilex?
Removing the roots of the holly is a challenge
Ilex is a deep rooter
Ilex has a heart root and is therefore one of the deep-rooters. That's why holly is so good for hedges. You can place them close to sidewalks without worrying that the roots will later lift the sidewalk slabs.
Transplant Ilex in the open ground
Ilex is relatively easy to transplant as long as the roots are not that big and go too deep into the ground. It is more difficult to transplant an older holly tree in the garden. To avoid damaging the roots too much, you should proceed in two steps.
- Cut off side roots in spring
- dig a new planting hole in autumn
- Enrich soil with humus and horn shavings (32.93€).
- Dig out Ilex entirely
- place carefully in the new planting hole
- Do not bend the main root!
- Tread the earth carefully
- water well
In the spring, cut off the soil around the Ilex and thus the side roots. This gives the shrub the opportunity to set new roots.
In autumn, dig up the holly completely. He doesn't mind as much now if you cut off part of the bottom root because you can't get it out of the ground. However, the main part of the heart root must be preserved and must not be damaged when moving.
Repot Ilex in the bucket
If you keep Ilex in the bucket, make sure that the pot is as deep and wide enough as possible. Only then can the root spread properly.
Drainage in the pot is highly recommended, as the roots of the Ilex do not tolerate waterlogging at all. However, they must not dry out either, so that you have to water them regularly.
The best time for repotting Ilex in the tub is late spring.
tips
Most Ilex varieties are hardy. However, this does not apply to the Japanese holly Ilex crenata. This is only partially winter-proof and needs sufficient winter protection outdoors.