'Dwarf Burford' holly, also known as Burdordii Nana, is an evergreen shrub that shares many characteristics of 'Burfordii' but is smaller and more compact in form. Plant in a protected location as it is sensitive to frost and winds. It needs average, levels of moisture and well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade is appreciated. When planted in full sun, the plants will be more compact and wider than tall. It grows rapidly and is easily transplanted. It is a great selection for the south because once established it withstands heat and some drought. The shrub is fast-growing and, dense, and can grow up to 9 or 10 feet. 'Dwarf Burford' is commonly used as a specimen, hedge or planted in small groups. 'Dwarf Burford' is a female cultivar that is parthenocarpic (able to produce fruit without pollination). The red berries and evergreen leaves persist through winter, giving it a great winter interest in a landscape. Grow it in a winter, Asian, drought-tolerant or English garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Generally pest-free. Potential pests include holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly, and scale. Potential diseases include leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot, and powdery mildew. Plants are also susceptible to leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils). Winter hardiness can also be an issue so consider planting in a protected spot. Avoid poorly drained soils. The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests. More information on Ilex cornuta .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fills a similar nicheIlex latifoliaIlex 'Nellie R. Stevens'Ilex x attenuata Foster Hybrid Group
Full plant profile
Growing Conditions
Plant type
Perennial; Shrub; Tree
Life cycle
Perennial; Woody
USDA zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry
Available space
6-feet-12 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in. | Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Dense; Erect; Rounded; Spreading
Texture
Coarse
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Oblong
Leaf margin
Entire
Leaf feel
Glossy; Leathery; Prickly; Waxy
Leaf value
Showy
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Unusually shaped elliptic to oblong leaves (up to 2” long) have a single spine at the apex (although occasionally two spines will develop). Leaves are alternate, simple, coriaceous, dark glossy green and bullate with parallel margins. Leaves are generally smaller than 'Burfordii'.
Flower color
White
Flower value
Fragrant
Flower form
Cyme
Flower size
< 1 inch
Flower detail
Dioecious plants (male and female) fragrant but inconspicuous white flowers appear in May. Pollinated flowers turn into bright red drupes.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Red/Burgundy
Fruit type
Berry
Fruit value
Long-lasting; Showy
Fruit size
< 1 inch long, < 1 inch wide
Fruit detail
Plant produces bright red, globose berries. Fruits are produced in great quantities and often without pollination (parthenocarpically). Berries are retained through winter.
Bark color
Light Gray
Bark detail
Smooth gray bark becoming finely flakey with size.
Stem color
Green
Stem detail
Slender, yellow-green stems turning reddish-green in the winter, buds small, leaf scar with 1 bundle scar. Branchlets are dense.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
China and Korea.
Distribution
Southeastern United States
Wildlife value
Showy fruits are attractive to birds. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
Attracts
Bees; Songbirds; Specialized Bees
Play value
Buffer; Sound; Wildlife Food Source; Wind Break
Food & Medicine
Harvest time
Fall; Winter
Fruit type
Berry
Edibility
Use caution. Berries are slightly toxic to humans if eaten in quantity.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Coastal; Lawn; Slope/Bank
Landscape theme
Asian Garden; Drought Tolerant Garden; English Garden; Pollinator Garden; Winter Garden
Design feature
Accent; Barrier; Border; Foundation Planting; Hedge; Mass Planting; Screen/Privacy; Small groups; Specimen