Needlepoint Holly
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Moderate (1-2 ft/year)
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Deer resistant
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About Needlepoint Holly
Needlepoint Holly (Ilex cornuta 'Needlepoint') is a refined Chinese Holly selection with distinctive single-spined, glossy dark-green leaves that curve downward, giving the foliage a soft, elegant look despite the plant's toughness. It grows to a compact 8-10 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide, smaller than most privacy hollies, which makes it equally useful as a foundation shrub, low screen, or clipped hedge in Lawrenceville landscapes. It is self-fruiting like Nellie R. Stevens, setting heavy crops of bright red berries without a male pollinator, and those berries persist through winter, feeding birds when other food sources are scarce. Needlepoint Holly tolerates Georgia's clay soil, summer heat, and humidity with few disease problems, and once established it is notably drought tolerant, requiring far less supplemental water than azaleas or hydrangeas planted nearby. Its smaller mature size and formal texture make it a favorite for framing entryways and foundation plantings across Gwinnett County, in addition to its use as a compact screening plant.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 8-10 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 5-6 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Low to Moderate — drought tolerant once established |
| Bloom Season | N/A (small spring flowers, grown for foliage) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate (1-2 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Pet Safe | Check with a vet |
| Native to Georgia | No |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant in full sun to part shade with well-drained soil, setting the top of the root ball slightly above grade in Georgia clay. Space plants 3-4 feet apart for a tight foundation hedge, or 5 feet apart for a taller screen. Water weekly the first growing season; established plants tolerate drought well and need supplemental water only during extended dry spells.
Fast Facts
- Compact mature size: 8-10 ft tall, 5-6 ft wide
- Self-fruiting — produces red berries without a male holly
- Single-spined leaves, softer look than traditional holly
- Drought tolerant once established
- Deer resistant, low-maintenance evergreen
- Popular as both a foundation shrub and low privacy hedge
Pairs Well With
Needlepoint Holly FAQs
How big does Needlepoint Holly get?
Needlepoint Holly matures to a compact 8-10 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide, considerably smaller than large screening hollies like Nellie R. Stevens. This makes it ideal for foundation plantings, low hedges, or narrower privacy screens in smaller Georgia yards.
Does Needlepoint Holly need a male plant for berries?
No, Needlepoint Holly is self-fruiting and reliably produces bright red winter berries without a separate male pollinator nearby. This is one of the main reasons it's favored for consistent winter color in Georgia Favorites plantings across Gwinnett County.