Ilex crenata 'Nigra' (Japanese Holly)

Ilex crenata 'Nigra' is an attractive, evergreen, upright Japanese holly cultivar with a narrow, pyramidal form. Typically growing to 6-10' tall with a spread of about 4', 'Nigra' is well regarded for its dark, glossy green foliage and natural, Christmas tree-like shape. Ilex crenata 'Nigra' blooms in late spring and produces small, inconspicuous white flowers that are attractive to a number of pollinator species. 

'Nigra' grows best when planted in medium-moist, well drained soils in full sun to part shade and makes for a striking addition to a variety of landscapes, but especially to add vertical interest to screens, borders, or foundation plantings. Ilex crenata 'Nigra' is an all-male cultivar, an important feature for maintaining either neat, green borders all year round, or for adding even more multi-season interest when planted alongside female cultivars, where cross-pollination will result in attractive, glossy berries and increased attractiveness to birds.

Note: Care should be taken with choosing an appropriate planting location for Ilex crenata 'Nigra,' as Japanese holly has been noted as spreading from urban plantings into the surrounding landscape in both Georgia and Virginia.