Yaupon Holly Cultivars (Ilex vomitoria)

Summary:

Foliage: Evergreen broadleaf
Height: 5 to 20 feet (depending on cultivar)
Spread: 3 to 10 feet (depending on cultivar)
Shape: Compact mound

This and several other similar cultivars are used in landscapes as border plants or in mass. This species is very tolerant of most adverse landscape conditions. Some female cultivars have stems laden with very showy persistent red fruit. This species is suited to warmer areas of Virginia (zone 7 and higher).

Plant Needs:

Zone: 7 to 10

Light: Partial shade to full sun Moisture: Wet, moist, to dry Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay pH Range: 3.7 to 6.8

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include hedge, barrier, massing, and specimen plant.

Planting Notes:

Transplants readily.

Adapts to wide range of soil moisture conditions. Tolerant of salt spray.

Plant one male plant near each six to eight female plants to ensure heavy fruiting.

Care:

Withstands pruning well.

Prune regularly if using as a hedge, or when fullness of plant is desired.

Problems:

No serious insect or disease problems.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of Ilex vomitoria:

‘Nana’ yaupon holly is a compact shrub that is about 5 tall at maturity.

‘Schillings’ (same as ‘Stokes Dwarf’) is a dwarf compact mound (more so than ‘Nana’). ‘Pendula’ is a weeping type reaching 15 to 20 feet with beautiful fruit.

Comments:

Yaupon holly is an extremely versatile plant, hardy in zones 7 and 8 in Virginia. Yaupon holly tolerates wind and hot climates better than most evergreen hollies.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation.