Propagation
Take semi-hardwood cuttings in late summer.

Sow fresh seed during spring that germination may take up to 2 to 3 years. Plant out during early spring or autumn.

Seed sown for Ilexspecies
Collect and remove pulp from the seeds then wash. Seeds (nutlets) that float should be discarded and when sowing place in well drained media and maintain a temperature of 18ş to 21ş C. (64ş to 75ş F). Certain species germinate quickly while others take up to 18 months.


Botanic information
Leaf: The glossy dark green elliptical leaves have undulating, entire to serrate or pungently spiny margins. The spines are arranged alternately pointing upwards and downwards. The underside is pale green and the leaves have a thick tough texture. As the plant matures the leaves tend to become less spiny.

Flower: The 3 to 8 petalled basely fused rotate flowers are small and waxy. The male has 4-prominent stamens with yellow anthers and the female is squat with an oval green pistil. They appear on different plants in the leaf axils during spring (dioecious).

Fruit: The green berry-like drupes mature red and contain 4 hard brown seeds. They persist on the plant during winter and are a feature. The small seeds are viable but the plant may be reproduced vegetatively.