Content
- What should be considered when cutting Ilex (Holly)?
- Do you have to cut Ilex?
- The best time to cut Ilex
- Ilex hedges do not cut too often
- Ilex as a Christmas decoration
- Cut cuttings for propagation
- Be careful when cutting!
- Tips
Holly trees may not get a lot of pruning between March and October
What should be considered when cutting Ilex (Holly)?
Ilex, also called holly, is a very easy-care plant, which is planted individually as well as in a tub or as a hedge. The evergreen shrub is not very tall and grows very slowly, so cutting is not absolutely necessary.
Do you have to cut Ilex?
Ilex grows a maximum of 15 cm per year. He keeps himself in shape for a very long time and does not have to be recut.
However, if you want to cut your Ilex, you can do it without worry.
When cutting, be sure to cut off only branches and twigs. When you divide the leaves they turn brown at the edges of the cut and make the Ilex unsightly.
The best time to cut Ilex
Basically, you can cut Ilex at any time. However, the best time for this is the summer from July to August. Then the holly is fully in the juice and grows best after.
As birds like to use Ilex hedges for breeding, check to see if there are any nests in the holly. If necessary, lay the pruning at a later time or cut generously around the nest.
Ilex hedges do not cut too often
Unlike other hedge plants, Ilex does not like it when cut back too often. As a rule, one single cut per year is sufficient.
Keep in mind that it will take quite a while for the hedge to be tight again.
Ilex as a Christmas decoration
With its decorative red, brown and yellow berries the Ilex looks wonderful as a Christmas decoration and is therefore also like to cut in winter. Use a frost-free day.
The cutting is safe even during the cold season possible. But since the birds need the berries as food in winter, you should not cut too much, so that enough fruits remain on the bush.
Cut cuttings for propagation
If you cut Ilex in the summer, you can gain fresh shoots for propagation via cuttings.
Now you need a lot of patience, because until the first roots form, it takes quite a while. If the first new shoot tips are showing, you may place the young Ilex at the desired location.
Be careful when cutting!
Most Ilex species have leaves with a partly very sharp jagged leaf margin. When cutting, you should always wear strong garden gloves so that you do not injure your hands.
Most of the holly species are poisonous. Make sure that the sap leaving the cut can not reach your bare skin.
Tips
Ilex can not only be propagated through cuttings. Faster and easier it works when you use Absenker.