Lusterleaf Holly

The Lusterleaf Holly is a very un-holly like evergreen that could be mistaken for a Southern magnolia. The large, glossy leaves are smooth, tapering and up to 10 inches long, with no spines and just the hint of a serrated edge. This tree grows rapidly, adding 3 or 4 feet a year, and soon it will be over 20 feet tall and around 10 feet wide, with one or more sturdy trunks and a pyramidal to rounded crown. It can potentially produce a crop of attractive clusters of orange-red berries in fall and into the winter months. Grow this tree near wooded areas, on a large lawn as a handsome specimen, or around your home.

• Unique specimen evergreen tree
• Long, tapering leathery leaves
• Fast-growing at up to 4 feet a year
• Large clusters of orange-red berries in fall
• Fascinating and rare tree from Japan

The Lusterleaf Holly is tolerant of partial shade, and it also grows in full sun. It grows best in rich, well-drained acidic soil, in zones 7, 8 and 9. It needs no special attention or pruning, pests and diseases are very rare, and deer usually leave it alone. The berries attract songbirds, and this tree fits well into natural parts of your garden. A male tree is needed for pollination if berries are to be produced.