It was brought to my attention last week that I may have overlooked a holly for Kansas: American Holly (Ilex opaca). American Holly does grow well here and it’s a big ‘un. It can grow to 20 feet easily, including in tough sites. Despite the literature references to significant pest and disease problems, it seems to be a winner. However, according to the same literature, there are plenty of superior hollies for the landscape (maybe not so many in Kansas, but elsewhere this would be true). Thus, American Holly is simply not grown commercially. If it’s not available for you to purchase right now, I don’t recommend it.
Having said that, if you know of an American Holly in your area, try to propagate it. Cuttings taken after the first growth flush hardens off in the spring/summer are often the easiest to root. Try taking terminal growth cuttings about 3 to 4 inches long. Cut a wound about an inch long on the base of the cuttings and dip in a 3000 ppm IBA quick dip for 3 to
5 seconds. Stick the cuttings in a standard peat:perlite potting media with regular mist for the best rooting environment. Some cuttings may root with no other assistance, but if you need to try something else, bottom heat may help. You should have rooted cuttings in about 6 weeks.
For more information on propagation with IBA products, see this
publication: Use of Root-Promoting Products for Vegetative Propagation of Nursery Crops (https://www.bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3105.pdf ).
