Grafting Holly

Question

We have a mature variegated holly, which produces berries, and a young holly – about 40 cm high – which does not. Can I graft a scion from the older plant on to the new holly so that it will produce berries in the future? If so, when and how should this be done? Thank you.

Answer 1

These plants are not normally grafted. Berries only produce on female shrubs, and there must be at least one male nearby for this to happen. If you have two shrubs and one produces berries while the other does not, then you have one female and one male. If you want additional berries, you'll have to get another female or you can take a cutting from the one you have. These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/propagation-of-holly-shrubs-with-holly-seeds-or-cuttings.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/how-to-tell-the-difference-between-a-male-and-female-holly-bush.htm