Species

Ilex vomitoriaYaupon Holly

4 other cultivars

treeN. America Native

Pride of Houston Yaupon

Ilex vomitoria 'Pride Of Houston'

The Story

Plant Bio

Yaupon holly is a tough, adaptable native evergreen with small, spineless leaves and smooth gray bark, capable of growing as a large shrub or small tree.

'Pride of Houston' is a fast-growing female selection known for its upright, multi-trunked form and extremely heavy production of translucent red berries that persist through winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Its greatest ornamental assets are the brilliant, translucent red berries that cover the female plants in winter and the handsome, smooth, silver-gray bark on its sculptural trunks. The fine-textured evergreen leaves provide a nice backdrop.

This is one of the toughest and most adaptable native plants for landscaping. It tolerates drought, poor soil, both acid and alkaline conditions, salt spray, and heat, making it a problem-solver for difficult sites.

The berries are a crucial winter food source for many bird species, including cedar waxwings, mockingbirds, and robins. The dense branches also provide excellent cover and nesting sites.

SpeciesIlex vomitoriaYaupon Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

240 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Very low once established

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived tree

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Berries are toxic to humans and pets if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in any well-drained soil; it is not picky about type or pH.
Dig a hole no deeper than the root ball and twice as wide.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring it is level.
Backfill with the soil you removed and water well.
Water regularly for the first season to establish.
Avoid fertilizing; it is generally not needed.

Pro Tip

Prune off lower branches to expose the attractive, smooth, light gray multi-trunked structure, creating a beautiful small specimen tree.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Use it in tough, dry, or coastal locations where other plants struggle.
Prune to reveal its sculptural branching structure.
Plant for winter bird food and shelter.
Appreciate its extreme adaptability and low-maintenance nature.

Don't

Do not overwater once the plant is established.
Avoid planting where the toxic berries could be eaten by children.
Do not worry about soil pH; it is highly adaptable.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Drought-tolerant small native treeArchitectural multi-stemmed specimenWinter interest plant for bird gardens

Companion Plants

Muhlenbergia capillaris Salvia leucantha Yucca filamentosa Agave Lantana

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pride of Houston Yaupon questions

What zones can Pride of Houston Yaupon grow in?

Pride of Houston Yaupon is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Pride of Houston Yaupon deer resistant?

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

When does Pride of Houston Yaupon bloom?

Pride of Houston 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 Pride of Houston Yaupon need full sun?

Pride of Houston Yaupon does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Pride of Houston Yaupon drought tolerant?

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