shrub

Burford Holly

Name: Burford Holly
Brand: Ilex
Availability: InStock

Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii'

$57.95

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240 inches

Width

180 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

China (species)

Toxicity

Berries are toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex cornuta, or Chinese Holly, is a dense, evergreen shrub or small tree known for its glossy, spiny leaves and bright red berries. It is exceptionally heat and drought tolerant. 'Burfordii' is a popular female cultivar that is self-fruitful, producing a profusion of large, bright red berries without needing a male pollinator. Its leaves are typically less spiny than the species, often having only a single spine at the tip.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a strong, evergreen presence in the landscape with its handsome, glossy foliage. In fall and winter, it becomes a showstopper, heavily laden with brilliant red berries that persist for months.

Its large size and dense, spiny nature make it an ideal choice for creating a tough, impenetrable security hedge or privacy screen. It is also very tolerant of urban pollution and coastal salt spray.

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

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$57.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to part shade and well-drained soil.
Dig a hole that is two to three times as wide as the root ball.
Ensure the hole is no deeper than the root ball.
Place the holly in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level.
Backfill with the original soil and water deeply.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

For the best berry production, plant in full sun. While it tolerates shade, fruiting will be significantly reduced.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season.
Prune in late winter to maintain desired size and shape.
Plant in slightly acidic soil for best performance.
Allow plenty of space for it to reach its mature size.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or constantly wet soils.
Avoid planting too deep; keep the root flare at or above soil level.
Don't shear into a tight hedge, which can reduce berry production.
Avoid alkaline soils, which can cause iron chlorosis (yellow leaves).

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Impenetrable evergreen privacy screen or hedgeStately foundation planting for large buildingsWinter interest specimen with brilliant red berries

Companion Plants

Nandina domestica Lagerstroemia indica Abelia x grandiflora Mahonia bealei Camellia sasanqua

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Burford Holly questions

What zones can Burford Holly grow in?

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 Burford Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Burford Holly bloom?

Burford 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 Burford Holly need full sun?

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

Is Burford Holly drought tolerant?

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