Plant: evergreen shrub or small tree

Origin: hollies are found worldwide

Zone: 7 - 10. Inkberry and Merserve holly are hardy to zone 5 at least.

Flowers: small, inconspicuous whitish flowers crowdedin leaf axils. Dioceous. Requires male and female plants to set fruit.

Foliage: Waxy, tough, evergreen leaves. Some have spines on leaf tip and margins. Great for poking siblings.

Culture: sunny location in moiist, acidic soil produces the best crop of berries. Protect from winter wind. Plant 1 male to every 10 females to ensure pollination and plenty of bright berries.