Ilex, also known as holly, is a very easy-care plant that can be planted individually, in a container or as a hedge. The evergreen shrub does not grow very tall and grows very slowly, so cutting is not absolutely necessary.
When and how should you cut Ilex?
Ilex should ideally be cut in the summer from July to August, as the plant grows back best then. Only cut branches and twigs without dividing the leaves. One cut per year is sufficient for Ilex. Wear sturdy gardening gloves to protect against sharp leaf edges.
Do you need to cut Ilex?
Ilex grows a maximum of 15 cm per year. This means it stays in shape for a very long time and doesn't need to be trimmed.
However, if you want to cut your Ilex, you can do so without worry.
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
Basically you can cut Ilex at any time. However, the best time for this is summer from July to August. Then the holly is full of sap and grows back best.
Since birds like to use Ilex hedges to breed, check beforehand whether there are still any nests in the holly. If necessary, postpone the pruning until a later date or cut generously around the nest.
Don’t cut Ilex hedges too often
Unlike other hedge plants, Ilex doesn't like being cut back too often. As a rule, one cut per year is sufficient.
Keep in mind that it will take a while until the hedge is properly dense 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 often cut in winter. Use a frost-free day for this.
Cutting is safe even during the cold season. But since the birds need the berries as food in winter, you shouldn't cut too much so that enough fruit remains on the bush.
Cut cuttings for propagation
If you cut Ilex in summer, you can get fresh shoots for propagation via cuttings.
- Cut 7 to 10 cm long shoots
- choose non-woody branches
- remove lower leaves
- coat with rooting powder (€5.00 on Amazon)
- put in pots with sand/peat mixture
- keep moist
- set up at around 16 degrees
Now you still need a lot of patience, because it takes a while for the first roots to form. When the first new shoot tips appear, you can place the young Ilex in the desired location.
Be careful when cutting
Most Ilex species have leaves with a sometimes very sharply jagged leaf edge. You should therefore always wear sturdy gardening gloves when cutting to avoid injuring your hands.
The majority of holly species are poisonous. Make sure that the sap that comes out when cutting cannot get on your bare skin.
Tip
Ilex cannot only be propagated via cuttings. It works faster and easier if you use lowering tools.
