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.