University of Washington Botanic Gardens

Recent Arboretum visitors may have noticed some unusual pruning, specifically in our Holly and Camellia collections.  The camellia specimens, located near the Lookout parking lot, will be re-propagated and planted in a different location to make space for the Pacific Connections New Zealand focal forest.  Large heading cuts were made to induce new epicormic growth, or watersprouts, which are ideal for propagation.  Cuttings for propagation will be taken later this summer.

The hollies can be found along the south side of Boyer Ave. near Lake Washington Blvd.  These hollies have been struggling since they were transplanted several years ago.  While not quite as radical as the camellia pruning, some might be surprised to see this style of pruning in the Arboretum, myself included!  However, in his book Hollies: The Genus Ilex, Fred Galle refers to a style of pruning called “hatracking or coatracking…best done in early spring, so new growth begins to cover the bare stems the first season…In two years the plants will show no signs of being severely pruned.”  We hope that this harsh pruning will induce a flush of new growth that rejuvenates these declining specimens.  Stay tuned for updates.