Ilex Cornuta Needlepoint #3

Want the classic glossy look of a Holly without needing a suit of armor to trim it? Meet the Needlepoint Holly.

Unlike its sharper cousins that are covered in spines, the Needlepoint Holly usually has just one single point at the tip of the leaf. This gives it a softer texture that looks fantastic in foundation plantings right up against your house. This plant works wonders.

It loves the heat here in the Piedmont and handles drought like a champ once it's established. It naturally grows into a dense, rounded shrub, making it a perfect low-maintenance hedge for framing a porch or lining a walkway. It’s the kind of plant that makes your landscape look professionally designed, even if you just plant it yourself.

Why we recommend them for NC yards:

• The 'Friendly' Holly: Fewer spines mean it's easier to work around than other varieties.

• Clay Buster: It tolerates our heavy local soil much better than many other ornamental shrubs.

• Year-Round Green: Keeps that deep, rich color 365 days a year, with heavy berry production in the winter.

Best Used For: Foundation plantings, low to medium hedges, walkway borders, and mass plantings.

Needlepoint Hollies are rapid growers that can reach 10+ feet if left alone, but they love to be trimmed and kept smaller (3–5 feet). They thrive in full sun or part shade. For tips on pruning hollies for maximum berry production, check the NC State Extension Gardener Toolbox or ask us on your visit.