Species

Ilex vomitoriaYaupon Holly

4 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Schillings Dwarf Yaupon

Ilex vomitoria 'Schillings'

The Story

Plant Bio

A dwarf, dense, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a naturally rounded, compact growth habit. It has small, oval, dark green leaves and produces tiny, inconspicuous white flowers.

'Schillings' is a male clone, so it does not produce berries. It is prized for its tight, mounding form that requires little to no pruning to maintain its shape, making it an excellent low-maintenance choice for formal designs.

Uses & Benefits:

Its primary value is its neat, dense, mounding form and small, dark green evergreen leaves, which provide excellent texture and structure in the garden with almost no effort.

Perfect for low formal or informal hedges, foundation plantings, and massing as a groundcover. Its toughness makes it ideal for commercial landscapes and hellstrips.

Although it doesn't produce berries for birds, its inconspicuous spring flowers do provide a nectar source for small native bees and other pollinators.

SpeciesIlex vomitoriaYaupon Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Southeastern US

Toxicity

Non-toxic (no berries)

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun for the densest growth.
Ensure the soil is well-drained, though it tolerates many types.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the plant's container.
Set the plant so the root flare is at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill with existing soil and water well.
Mulch to conserve moisture, keeping it away from the stems.

Pro Tip

Avoid frequent shearing; its natural mounding habit is its best feature and requires minimal intervention.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during its first growing season to establish roots.
Allow it to grow into its natural, dense, mounding shape.
Use as a low-maintenance groundcover, border, or foundation plant.

Don't

Do not overwater once established; it is very drought tolerant.
Do not plant in deep shade, which causes thin, leggy growth.
Do not feel obligated to shear it into a tight geometric shape.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Neat evergreen foundation plantingLow formal or informal hedgeDurable mass planting groundcover

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense Gardenia jasminoides 'Radicans'Muhlenbergia capillaris Agapanthus spp.Liriope spicata

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Schillings Dwarf Yaupon questions

What zones can Schillings Dwarf Yaupon grow in?

Schillings Dwarf Yaupon is hardy in USDA Zones 7–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Schillings Dwarf Yaupon deer resistant?

Yes — Schillings Dwarf Yaupon is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Schillings Dwarf Yaupon bloom?

Schillings Dwarf Yaupon typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Schillings Dwarf Yaupon need full sun?

Schillings Dwarf Yaupon does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Schillings Dwarf Yaupon drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Schillings Dwarf Yaupon handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.