no luck rooting in water... take a tip cutting apply 0.1 to 0.3 % IBA (rooting hormone) stick in well drained soil & mist taking 40-80 days to root.... bottom heat helps.

I saw this article. Does this actually work? http://www.gardenguides.com/80624-make-cutting-holly-plant.html

My wife seen an article about growing holly cuttings. She has always loved holly but she would rather grow them her self rather then purchase a full grown plant. She has great luck saving almost dead plant and does great at growing from seeds as well. My line of work takes me to many areas of town and in some cases out of state but in our sane zone. We really don't have much of a winter here but it has it moments. I recently started gathering seeds and seed pods in the area and I have see about 10 to 15 different varieties of holly. Doing research on how to tell them apart get a bit rough at times but from what I can tell the best way is by the shape of the leaves. I have collected only about 3 different varieties so far and the time for gathering them is almost over I think. The more rare varieties around didn't have berries. I'm not sure what gender they are. I didn't see them bloom.
My question is. If I gather cutting from these plants in spring while I'm at work and keep them in water what are the chances they would they still be sufficient for propagating from??

I was mostly wondering if the cuttings would still be ok to plant if I collect them at work and kept them in water til I got home. It would probably be a few hours, and would warm or cooler water be best?

Gatherer: I would think as long as you keep them hydrated and cool they would be fine. I have collected cuttings while on trips and put them in water in a ziplock and rooted them when I returned home.