shrubN. America Native

Yaupon Holly

Name: Yaupon Holly
Brand: Ilex
Availability: InStock

Ilex vomitoria

$39.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180 inches

Width

144 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Southeastern US

Toxicity

Berries are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

A broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree native to the southeastern United States. It features small, leathery, dark green leaves and produces inconspicuous white flowers in spring. This is the species plant, known for its extreme toughness, adaptability to various soils and conditions, and being the only North American native plant to contain caffeine. Female plants produce showy red berries.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its dense, evergreen foliage and, on female plants, a profusion of bright red berries that persist through winter, providing excellent color and structure.

Its tolerance for shearing makes it an outstanding choice for formal hedges, screens, and topiaries. Its toughness suits it for difficult urban and coastal sites.

The berries are a crucial winter food source for many bird species, including cedar waxwings and mockingbirds. The flowers provide nectar for bees and other pollinators.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$39.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole two to three times the width of the root ball.
Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole with the original soil, firming it gently.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant both male and female plants if you want the showy red berries; only females produce fruit.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system.
Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain desired size and shape.
Provide a male pollinator nearby for berry production on female plants.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, consistently boggy soil.
Avoid excessive fertilization, which can lead to weak growth.
Do not allow mulch to be piled up against the main stem or trunk.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable evergreen hedge or screenTough coastal or urban plantingSpecimen for bird-friendly gardens

Companion Plants

Magnolia grandiflora Myrica cerifera Sabal palmetto Callicarpa americana Muhlenbergia capillaris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yaupon Holly questions

What zones can Yaupon Holly grow in?

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 Yaupon Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Yaupon Holly bloom?

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 Yaupon Holly need full sun?

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

Is Yaupon Holly drought tolerant?

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