Species

Ilex vomitoriaYaupon Holly

4 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Dwarf Yaupon Holly

Ilex vomitoria 'Nana'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex vomitoria is a broadleaf evergreen native to the southeastern US, known for its small, spineless leaves, gray stems, and extreme toughness. The species form produces bright red berries on female plants.

'Nana' is a popular dwarf, mounding male cultivar that does not produce berries. It is valued for its dense, compact, globe-like habit that requires little to no pruning to maintain its shape.

Uses & Benefits:

Its neat, mounding habit and fine-textured evergreen foliage provide year-round structure and a formal feel with almost no effort. It serves as an excellent 'green meatball' in landscape design.

This is a workhorse shrub for low-maintenance landscapes. Its tolerance for heat, drought, salt spray, and a wide range of soils makes it a go-to for challenging sites like parking lot islands and coastal areas.

As a male clone, its inconspicuous spring flowers provide pollen for bees. The dense branching offers shelter for small birds and other wildlife.

SpeciesIlex vomitoriaYaupon Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

48 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable to high

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Berries on species are toxic; 'Nana' is fruitless

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site; this plant tolerates sun, shade, and most soils.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole with existing soil.
Water deeply after planting to settle the soil.
Provide supplemental water for the first year, then it's very drought tolerant.

Pro Tip

This shrub is incredibly adaptable, but planting in well-drained soil will prevent the potential for root rot in very wet locations.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Plant in a location where its natural mounding shape can be appreciated.
Use as a substitute for boxwood in hot, humid climates.
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Don't

Do not plant in perpetually waterlogged soil without amending for drainage.
Avoid unnecessary shearing, which spoils its natural form.
Don't expect berries; 'Nana' is a male clone.
Don't worry about deer or rabbits; they typically avoid it.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable low-maintenance foundation plantingTidy low hedge or borderResilient mass planting for tough sites

Companion Plants

Loropetalum chinense Gardenia jasminoides 'Radicans'Muhlenbergia capillaris Agapanthus africanus Aspidistra elatior

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dwarf Yaupon Holly questions

What zones can Dwarf Yaupon Holly grow in?

Dwarf Yaupon Holly 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 Dwarf Yaupon Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Dwarf Yaupon Holly bloom?

Dwarf Yaupon Holly 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 Dwarf Yaupon Holly need full sun?

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

Is Dwarf Yaupon Holly drought tolerant?

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