Japanese Holly has greenish-white blooms with glossy dark green evergreen leaves. Growth form is narrow and columnar, and leaves lack the typical spines on their edges. Small purple berries produced in the fall with a male pollinator. Bloom time is May to June!

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade, in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the leaves in alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner-city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed or colder locations.