shrubN. America Native

Bordeaux Holly

Name: Bordeaux Holly
Brand: Ilex
Availability: InStock

Ilex vomitoria 'Bordeaux'

$17.48

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub

Native To

Southeastern United States

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic, can cause vomiting if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex vomitoria, or Yaupon Holly, is a tough, adaptable broadleaf evergreen native to the southeastern US. It is known for its small, spineless leaves and tolerance of a wide range of conditions. Bordeaux ('Condeaux') is a compact, mounding female cultivar distinguished by its wine-red new growth in spring, which provides a beautiful contrast against the mature olive-green foliage.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Bordeaux holly's main ornamental feature is its flush of wine-red new growth in spring, which creates a striking two-tone effect with the older green leaves. Its compact, tidy habit makes it an attractive year-round shrub.

This is an exceptionally tough and low-maintenance shrub, ideal for hot, dry climates, coastal areas, and urban landscapes. It works well as a formal or informal low hedge, foundation plant, or in mass plantings.

As a native plant, it supports local wildlife. The small flowers attract a variety of pollinators, and the translucent red berries are a food source for birds and other animals.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Plants By Mail

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$17.48

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location in full sun for the best foliage color.
This plant is adaptable to almost any well-drained soil type.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with existing soil and water to settle.
Mulch to conserve moisture, though it is very drought tolerant once established.

Pro Tip

Yaupon holly is extremely adaptable; its main requirement is well-drained soil. Avoid planting in boggy areas.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly for the first year to establish.
Prune or shear in late spring to maintain its compact, mounding shape.
Take advantage of its toughness in hot, dry, or coastal locations.
Plant in groups for a low-maintenance, colorful groundcover effect.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or constantly wet soil.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which is generally unnecessary.
Don't worry about deer; they typically avoid Yaupon holly.
Don't plant in deep shade, which will reduce foliage color and density.

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

Colorful low foundation hedgeDrought-tolerant mass plantingCompact accent for mixed borders

Companion Plants

Muhlenbergia capillaris Agave Salvia greggii Rosemarinus officinalis Yucca

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bordeaux Holly questions

What zones can Bordeaux Holly grow in?

Bordeaux Holly 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 Bordeaux Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Bordeaux Holly bloom?

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux Holly need full sun?

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

Is Bordeaux Holly drought tolerant?

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