Holly Needlepoint

Description: Holly Needlepoint features small, glossy, dark green leaves with a distinctive needle-like shape, hence its name. The foliage is densely arranged along the branches, creating a lush and refined appearance. This cultivar is dioecious, meaning that it produces male and female flowers on separate plants. Female plants may produce small, inconspicuous white flowers in spring, followed by clusters of bright red berries in fall and winter, provided that a male pollinator is nearby.

Size: Holly Needlepoint is a relatively compact shrub, typically reaching a height and width of 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters) at maturity. Its growth habit is naturally upright and dense, making it well-suited for use as a formal hedge, foundation planting, or specimen shrub in gardens and landscapes. Regular pruning is generally not necessary, but you can selectively trim to maintain its shape and size if desired.

Best Growing Zones: Holly Needlepoint thrives in USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9. It prefers regions with mild winters and moderate summers, although it can tolerate a range of environmental conditions, including heat, drought, and occasional cold snaps. This shrub performs best in well-drained soil and full to partial sun exposure. Avoid planting it in areas prone to waterlogging, as this may lead to root rot.

Soil Requirements: This holly cultivar prefers moist, well-drained soil with good fertility and a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. It can adapt to a variety of soil types, including loamy, sandy, or clay soil, as long as it provides adequate drainage. Amending the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure can improve soil structure and fertility, promoting healthy growth.

Maintenance: Holly Needlepoint is relatively low-maintenance once established. Water newly planted shrubs regularly to establish a strong root system, and provide supplemental watering during periods of drought. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Pruning is generally not necessary, but you can remove any dead, damaged, or overgrown branches using sharp, clean pruning shears.