All Holly

Pruning:

  • Inkberry Holly:
    • Pruning should be done in early spring, just before new growth emerges, but pruning needs are minimal unless you use the shrubs in a hedge.
    • Prune at least once a year.
    • Remove any dead or dying branches completely, where they meet healthy growth.
    • Maintenance pruning is usually needed to address legginess in the species. As the plant matures and becomes thin, remove up to one-third of the branches to their points of origin in early spring.
  • Blue Holly:
    • Remove dead or diseased branches when noticed.
    • In late winter, before new growth emerges, thin out branches if plants appear overgrown.
    • Unless you use them in a hedge, these shrubs look best when the pruning is not too noticeable. To accomplish this, stagger the depth of your cuts.
  • Japanese Holly:
    • Tolerate heavier pruning than many other evergreen varieties.
    • In late winter or early spring, remove dead, broken, or diseased branches.
    • If plants are too dense or overgrown, cut out up to 1/3 of the branches back to the main stem.
    • Mounding and spreading types can be kept sheared like boxwood as formal hedging.
    • These can also be rejuvenated by cutting the entire plant back to a few inches above the ground.
  • Winterberry Holly:
    • Prune in late winter or early spring before leaves emerge.
    • Remove dead growth, broken and crossing branches, and lightly shape as needed.
    • To thin and rejuvenate, remove 1/3 of older branches (which should be at least an inch in diameter) at ground level to stimulate new growth.
  • Avoid pruning any Holly in late summer and fall.