Shrub · North Texas care guide
Ilex cornuta 'Needlepoint'
Nursery Pro tip: Single-spined, soft-looking leaves and berries without a second plant. One of the toughest hollies for full west sun.
A Chinese holly with a single sharp point on each glossy leaf rather than a row of spines — easier to live with, and it sets heavy red berries every year without a male nearby. Grows 8–10 ft with a graceful, slightly arching habit.
Full sun to part shade, any drained soil. Space 4–5 ft for a screen, 6 ft for individuals. Tolerates hot beds against the house.
Fall through spring. Hole twice the pot width, ball at grade, native soil, Root Stimulator, mulch.
Twice a week the first month, weekly the first summer, then occasional deep soaks.
Holly or shrub fertilizer in early spring; iron if leaves yellow.
Late winter or after the berries drop. It takes shearing for a formal hedge, but the arching natural form is prettier. Berries come on last year's wood, so heavy summer shearing costs you fruit.
Scale and sooty mold — dormant oil in winter. Iron chlorosis. Root rot in standing water.
Screening hedge, corner planting, or cut branches for Christmas decorating. Underplant with liriope or nandina.
Written for Rockwall's black clay, heat and winters by the Landscape Source team. Every yard is different — bring a photo by, or ask LS-Ai, and we'll tailor it to your spot.