Dwarf Burford Holly

Dwarf Burford Holly is a dependable evergreen shrub for Southern foundations, hedges, screens, and property borders. Dense, glossy dark-green foliage responds well to pruning, while small spring flowers can develop into bright red berries that add winter interest. Despite the word dwarf in its name, this is a substantial shrub that needs room to mature unless it is regularly maintained. Available for local pickup from Towns Edge Nursery.

Plant details

• Botanical name: Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii Nana’
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• USDA zones: 7–9
• Mature size: Typically 6–8 ft tall × 6–8 ft wide; may grow larger with age
• Foliage: Evergreen; dense, glossy dark-green leaves with pointed margins
• Flowers or feature: Small white spring flowers followed by red berries
• Bloom season: Spring; berries provide fall and winter interest
• Water: Average; drought tolerant once established in well-drained soil
• Growth habit: Dense, rounded and bushy
• Landscape uses: Foundation planting, hedge, privacy screen, property border, specimen
• Deer tolerance: May receive some browsing; not reliably deer-proof

South Carolina garden note: Well adapted to South Carolina heat and humidity in Zone 8b and easy to maintain as a formal or natural hedge.

Plant size and performance vary with climate, soil, pruning and care. Availability changes with nursery inventory.