Needlepoint Holly

Needlepoint holly is an evergreen, pyramidal Ilex cornuta selection with glossy, spine-tipped leaves. Gardenia reports it at 15–20 ft tall by 10–20 ft wide and hardy in Zones 7–9; NC State lists “Needlepoint” or “Needle Point” as synonyms for “Anicet Delcambre” in its Chinese holly profile. [Gardenia](https://www.gardenia.net/plant/ilex-cornuta-needlepoint/1000) [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-cornuta/) ## Landscape Use Use it for hedges, screens, massing, grouping, or foundation plantings. Inconspicuous, fragrant white flowers appear in spring; pollinated flowers form red berries that ripen in fall and persist into winter. Gardenia reports that the flowers attract bees and pollinating insects and birds feed on the berries. [Gardenia](https://www.gardenia.net/plant/ilex-cornuta-needlepoint/1000) ## Growing Conditions Plant in full sun to part shade and average, medium-moisture soil with good drainage. The selection tolerates heat and drought and is moderately salt tolerant. In hot summer climates, some afternoon shade helps; shelter it from cold winter winds. [Gardenia](https://www.gardenia.net/plant/ilex-cornuta-needlepoint/1000) [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-cornuta/) ## Maintenance Prune in late winter if needed to control size, and avoid poorly drained soil. [Gardenia](https://www.gardenia.net/plant/ilex-cornuta-needlepoint/1000) [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-cornuta/)