PopularNeedlepoint Holly
Ilex cornuta 'Anicet Delcambre'Local DFW Delivery Only
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Needlepoint Holly
Ilex cornuta 'Anicet Delcambre'Needlepoint Holly is prized for its unique, slender foliage that resembles pine needles, giving it a delicate yet structured appearance. This compact evergreen tree maintains dense, deep green foliage year-round, complemented by an abundant display of bright red berries in fall and winter. Growing 10 feet tall with a spread of 8 feet, Needlepoint Holly is an excellent choice for borders, foundation beds, or low hedges.
- Evergreen tree
- Moderate growth rate
- Dense, deep green foliage year-round
- Bright red berries appear in fall and winter
- Ideal for borders, foundation plantings, and low hedges
Needlepoint Holly thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. It’s heat-tolerant and drought-resistant once established, adapting well to various Texas soil types and urban environments. Hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9, this holly adds texture, color, and structure to any Texas landscape.
Maintenance
Once established, Needlepoint Holly is remarkably easy to maintain, needing only the basics to grow beautifully. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
- Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help roots establish. Afterward, it requires little supplemental watering except during extended dry periods. Always allow soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid overly wet conditions.
- Pruning: Prune lightly once or twice a year to maintain shape and density. Late winter or early spring is the best time for structural pruning. Remove dead, crossing, or weak branches, but avoid shearing heavily - light, selective cuts help preserve its natural, layered form.
- Fertilizing: Feed once in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen shrubs. Mature plants rarely need additional feeding, but a light top-dressing each spring encourages strong new growth and glossy foliage.
- Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base each spring to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and stabilize soil temperature. Keep mulch several inches from the stems to prevent rot and pest buildup.
- Winter care: Needlepoint Holly is hardy and retains its deep green color through winter. In areas prone to strong winds or sudden cold snaps, a protective layer of mulch around the base insulates the roots. Water well before hard freezes to prevent desiccation.
Common Issues and How to Take Care of Them
Needlepoint Holly is very resilient, but like most evergreen shrubs, it can occasionally experience a few manageable issues:
- Leaf Drop: Common after transplanting or sudden environmental changes. Keep soil evenly moist (not wet) until the plant re-establishes.
- Scale Insects: Small bumps on stems or undersides of leaves that cause yellowing. Treat with horticultural oil during dormancy or insecticidal soap in the growing season.
- Spider Mites: These pests may appear in hot, dry weather, causing stippled or faded leaves. Rinse foliage with water or apply neem oil to prevent infestations.
- Sooty Mold: Black residue caused by honeydew from sap-feeding insects. Eliminate the source pests, and the mold will gradually disappear.
- Chlorosis (Yellow Leaves): Often caused by poor drainage or alkaline soil. Apply an iron supplement or sulfur-based amendment if necessary to restore foliage color.
With a little pruning, mulch, and occasional feeding, Needlepoint Holly remains one of the most dependable, attractive evergreen shrubs for low-maintenance Texas landscapes.
With proper care, it can live 40-50 years or more. Its sturdy structure and evergreen nature make it a long-term investment in both beauty and function.
It grows at a moderate rate, filling in within just a few years. Once established, it develops into a dense, arching shrub that keeps its shape beautifully without frequent pruning.
Yes - once mature and properly pollinated (usually by a nearby male holly), it reliably produces bright red berries each fall that last well into winter.
Yes, it adapts well to large containers, especially near entrances or patios. Use a well-draining mix and water more frequently than in-ground plantings during hot months.
Yes, it’s generally avoided by deer thanks to its tough, spiny leaves, making it ideal for areas prone to browsing.
Extremely well. Needlepoint Holly thrives in warm, humid regions and keeps its lush appearance even during intense summer heat when other evergreens may fade.
Yes, it’s hardy across most of Texas and southern regions. Mature plants withstand frost well, and a bit of mulch around the base helps young shrubs during the first couple of winters.
Absolutely. Its dense growth and tolerance for light shearing make it perfect for creating formal hedges, privacy screens, or shaped borders that stay evergreen year-round.
Cut back one-third of the oldest stems to the base in late winter. This encourages new, vigorous shoots from the center and helps maintain fullness from top to bottom.
Yes - Needlepoint Holly performs beautifully in city environments, tolerating pollution, reflected heat, and compacted soils while maintaining its elegant, year-round appeal.
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Needlepoint Holly This plant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ilex cornuta 'Anicet Delcambre' | Ilex × attenuata ‘Eagleston’ |
| Size at Maturity | 10' H x 8' W | 20' H x 14' W |
| Leaf Retention | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Sizes Available | 3, 7, 10, 15, 30 gal | 3, 7, 15, 30, 45 gal |
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