Needlepoint Holly is a large evergreen shrub with glossy dark green spineless leaves that end with a slight twist.  If pollinated, the clusters of inconspicuous flowers in spring give way to abundant red fruits in fall which lasts through winter.  Best planted in moist, slightly acidic well-drained soils.  Hollies are dioecious and need both male and female plants to produce fruit.  

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Low Maintenance.  Water regularly.   Well-drained soils essential.   Potential issues include mites, scale, leaf spot, rot, and mildew.  Susceptible to leaf scorch or drop if not protected from afternoon sun in hotter climates.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Privacy Screen, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS:  Astilbe, Pieris, Peony

IMAGE: Photo by David J. Stang, Ilex cornuta Needlepoint 2zz, CC BY-SA 4.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.