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PROPAGATING HOLLIES 
 
Hollies are relatively easy to propagate. The simpliest way is by taking semi hardwood cuttings from a mature plant in Autumn.
 
I have used several methods of taking cuttings, but I have chose to illustrate the method  that worked best for me.
 
The example below shows the propagation of a 'Golden Van Tol' holly. This method can be used to reproduce new plants from any holly.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  First select a suitable shoot. Preferably a shoot with this years growth and about 1" of last years growth.Cut just above a leaf.
(click on image to enlarge)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The cutting should be about 4 or 5" long.
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Trim the bottom of the cutting to just below a leaf. Remove the leaves from the lower half and remove half of each of the upper leaves.
(click on image to enlarge)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fill a 2" pot with seed and cutting compost and dip the base of the cutting in hormone rooting powder.
(click on image to enlarge)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Insert the cutting into the pot, water and label  
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Place the pots in an unheated propagator and mist regularly.
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After about four or five weeks, check the bottom of each pot to see if any roots are visible, through the drainage holes. Root development can also be checked by gently pulling on the cutting. Resistance indicates the presence of roots. If there are no apparent signs of roots, then place pots back in the propagator and check weekly.
 
 
 
 
 
After 2 years the cutting should like this 
(click on image to enlarge)