Forest Farm offers this for sale at forestfarm.com

I'd be tempted to give it a try--I am tempted, really.
Note to self--must not order any more plants!

Yay! Thanks so much. I may order these as it doesn't look like there's much hope of finding a large one at a nursery. It's so lovely, I wonder why it's not more popular. And it doesn't stick you like most hollies.

Maryann, I've seen Lusterleaf get some bad damage at the US Arboretum one year (zone 7a/b). I haven't been back to the holly grove to check on it. I would venture that in zone 6b it's real iffy.

However... if you like the large-leafed hollies, there are a number of holly hybrids you can choose from! Try any of the Koehneanas (latifolia x aquifolium hybrid) -- with cultivar names such as Wirt L. Winn, Jade, Agena, etc. Also, Forest Farm has a cornuta x latifolia hybrid that I purchased last Fall (leaves about 3-5 inches).

If you're in the DC area, visit the holly grove at the US Arboretum.

So check them out!

Thanks, Dave. Adrian Higgins of the Washington Post also suggested the koehneana type. What I like about the latifolia is that it doesn't have prickles. I'll check out the cornuta hybrid you list.

The US Arboretum sounds like a fun weekend trip - I'm in Charlottesville.

Maryann,

I love the lusterleaf too! I'd like to try it in my yard, but haven't built up the courage yet.

Keep an eye out for another incredible holly that is hitting the markets now. It's Ilex x 'virginia'. Not yet readily available and certainly not in small sizes, but it has an incredibly beautiful dark, glossy leaf with minimal spines. Leaves are not all that large -- maybe 2 inches long, but it's beautiful! I'm thinking maybe 6b for this one.