The tree should be grown with a central trunk. Young trees which are topped in the nursery grow several upright, multiple trunks. These eventually droop to the horizontal and then become more weeping, creating an unkempt, asymmetrical mess. The tree grows well even in small tree pits carved out of downtown sidewalks. East Palatka Holly grows quickly in full sun or partial shade on moist, acid soils.
Growth is poor and foliage chlorotic on alkaline soil.
Another hybrid, Savannah , is a fast-growing female plant which also produces abundant red berries. The foliage is light green and variably-spined. Propagation is by cuttings or grafting. No diseases are of major concern. Galls and witches broom are serious problems for many trees growing in central Florida.