Species

Ilex cornutaChinese Holly

5 other cultivars

shrub

Dwarf Burford Holly

Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii Nana'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex cornuta is a dense evergreen shrub native to East Asia, characterized by thick leathery foliage and small axillary flowers. The species produces bright red berries that set without cross-pollination and persist on the branches into winter.

'Burfordii Nana' grows into a compact rounded form reaching four to six feet tall and wide, distinguished by dark green leaves that bear a single terminal spine rather than multiple spiny points. Bright red parthenocarpic berries cover the framework heavily from fall through winter.

Uses & Benefits:

Offers dense glossy green foliage year-round paired with heavy winter berry production.

Functions well as a low barrier hedge due to its compact form and single sharp terminal leaf spines.

Provides dense evergreen nesting shelter and winter food for native bird species.

SpeciesIlex cornutaChinese Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72"

Width

72"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Low-severity toxicity if ingested

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in full sun to partial shade, selecting a site with afternoon protection in extremely hot climates.
Set the root ball in well-drained soil, keeping the root crown level with or slightly above the surrounding grade.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a balanced slow-release evergreen fertilizer once annually in early spring.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly after the main spring flush of growth, avoiding heavy cuts back into bare interior wood where dormant buds recover slowly.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure soil drains freely to prevent root rot.
Prune selectively after spring growth to maintain a compact habit.
Protect tender new shoots from severe late spring frosts.

Don't

Do not allow standing water to accumulate around the root zone.
Avoid severe cuts back into bare, leafless old wood.
Do not over-fertilize, as a single spring application is sufficient.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeFoundation PlantingMass PlantingSpecimen/Focal Point

Companion Plants

Buxus microphylla Rhododendron Camellia japonica Liriope muscari

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dwarf Burford Holly questions

What zones can Dwarf Burford Holly grow in?

Dwarf Burford 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 Dwarf Burford Holly deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Dwarf Burford Holly, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Dwarf Burford Holly bloom?

Dwarf Burford Holly typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Dwarf Burford Holly need full sun?

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

Is Dwarf Burford Holly drought tolerant?

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