Do you need to cut ilex?
Ilex grows a maximum of 15 cm per year. As a result, it stays in shape for a very long time and does not have to be trimmed.
also read
- Tips for caring for Ilex crenata (Japanese holly)
- Planting ilex - tips for planting the holly
- Interesting facts about the roots of the Ilex
However, if you want to cut your ilex, don't worry.
When pruning, make sure that you only cut off branches and twigs. If you split 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. The best time for this, however, is the summer from July to August. Then the holly is fully in the sap and it is best to grow back again.
Since birds like to use ilex hedges for breeding, check beforehand whether there are still nests in the holly. If necessary, postpone the pruning for a later date or cut generously around the nest.
Do not cut ilex hedges too often
Unlike other hedge plants, Ilex doesn't like being pruned back too often. As a rule, a single cut per year is sufficient.
Keep in mind that it will take a while before the hedge is properly sealed again.
Ilex as Christmas decorations
With its decorative red, brown and yellow berries, the ilex works wonderfully as a Christmas decoration and is therefore also popular in winter. Use a frost-free day for this.
Cutting is safe even during the cold season. But 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 prune ilex in summer, you can use fresh shoots for propagation Cuttings to win.
- Cut shoots 7 to 10 cm long
- choose branches that are not lignified
- remove lower leaves
- with Rooting powder coat
- put in pots with a sand / peat mixture
- keep moist
- Set up at around 16 degrees
Now you still need a lot of patience, because until the first one root form, it takes quite a while. If the first new shoot tips appear, you can place the young ilex in the desired location.
Be careful when cutting!
Most of the Ilex species have leaves with a sometimes very sharply serrated leaf margin. You should therefore always hold them firmly when cutting Gardening gloves to avoid injuring your hands.
Most of the holly species are poisonous. Make sure that the sap that escapes when cutting cannot get on your bare skin.
Tips
Ilex can not only be propagated from cuttings. It works faster and easier if you use lowering devices.
