Since Holly (Ilex) isn’t exactly a speed demon when it comes to growing tall, you can often get away with never touching it with a pair of shears. However, there are definitely times when a little trim can go a long way in keeping your garden looking sharp. Here’s the lowdown on how to prune your Holly like a pro.
When is it time to prune your Holly?
On average, a Holly bush only puts on about 6 inches of new growth per year. If yours is starting to look a bit too tall, getting too wide for its space, or if you’re trying to maintain a tight, formal hedge, it’s time for a haircut. But before you start clipping, there are a few things to keep in mind.
The “sweet spot” for pruning Holly is between July and August. During these summer months, the sap is flowing well through the branches, which helps the plant bounce back and push out new growth quickly. One very important tip: always peek inside the branches for bird nests before you start. If you find any feathered friends raising a family, hold off on the pruning until they’ve flown the coop so you don’t disturb their nesting season.
Pro tips for a clean cut
The great thing about Holly is that it’s pretty low-maintenance. Generally, you only need to prune it once a year to keep it happy. If you notice a stray branch here or there throughout the year, feel free to do a quick touch-up, but don’t overdo it.
Here’s a big one: avoid using electric hedge trimmers if you can. These tend to shred or “half-cut” the leaves rather than making clean snips. When a Holly leaf is sliced in half, the edges turn an ugly brown, which can make your beautiful evergreen look pretty ragged. Instead, use hand pruners to cut back entire twigs or branches. If you do accidentally nick a leaf, it’s best to just remove that leaf entirely to keep the plant looking fresh and green.
How to grow new Holly from cuttings
Want more Holly without spending a fortune at the nursery? You can easily propagate them using cuttings! Summer is the best time to do this because the shoots are full of life and will develop roots much faster once they hit the soil.
Here’s a quick step-by-step for taking cuttings:
- Look for green, flexible shoots rather than the old, woody branches.
- Snip off a piece about 4 inches long.
- Strip the leaves off the bottom half of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end into some rooting hormone.
- Plant it in a mix of peat moss and sand.
Keep your new little plants in a bright spot where the temperature stays at least 60°F. Make sure to water them regularly so the soil stays moist, but don’t let them sit in a puddle (they hate “wet feet”). Once you see new growth popping out of the top, your new Holly is ready to be planted outside. Just double-check your variety first, as not every type of Holly is winter-hardy depending on your local climate!
