Burford Holly
Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii'Local DFW Delivery Only
Product Details
Burford Holly
Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii'The Burford Holly is a timeless evergreen shrub admired for its dense, glossy foliage and graceful pyramidal form. Its rich, dark green leaves provide year-round structure and texture, making it a striking backdrop in landscapes and flower beds. In winter, female plants produce clusters of bright red berries that bring seasonal color and charm. Reaching 15 to 20 feet in height and 10 to 12 feet in width, it develops a naturally full habit that works beautifully as a specimen, an accent, or within layered plantings.
- Evergreen shrub
- Dense, pyramidal growth habit
- Glossy dark green foliage year-round
- Bright red winter berries on female plants
- Excellent for flower beds, landscape accents, or privacy screens
Plant in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil. Hardy in USDA zones 7 through 9, Burford Holly delivers consistent beauty, structure, and seasonal interest in landscapes and flower beds.
Burford Holly thrives with modest care and makes an excellent foundation shrub. Here’s how to help it thrive:
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently during the first 1-2 years to help build a stable, far-reaching root system. Once established, Burford Holly becomes notably drought-tolerant and typically requires supplemental watering only during prolonged dry spells; avoid shallow watering that encourages weak surface roots.
- Pruning: Pruning needs are modest thanks to its naturally full, rounded structure. Light pruning in late winter helps remove wayward, damaged, or crossing limbs and encourages dense growth; heavy shearing is rarely necessary but can be used for formal hedges if desired.
- Fertilizing: This holly performs well in average soils and requires minimal fertilization once mature. If foliage appears pale or growth slows, apply a light dose of slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy leaf color and berry production.
- Mulching: A 2-3 inch mulch layer around the base helps conserve moisture, regulate soil temperatures, and suppress weeds. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid moisture buildup against the bark and refresh annually for year-round soil health.
- Winter Care: Burford Holly is highly winter-hardy and holds its evergreen foliage reliably in cold weather. In unusually harsh winters, slight leaf bronzing may occur but quickly reverses with spring growth.
Burford Holly is durable and resilient, though a few manageable issues can arise under stress or high humidity:
- Leaf Spot: Brown or purplish lesions appear on leaves during prolonged wet weather. Remove affected leaves and improve airflow to minimize fungal spread.
- Scale Insects: Small, shell-like bumps form on stems or leaves, causing yellowing or reduced vigor. Treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control infestations.
- Spider Mites: Fine stippling, webbing, and dull foliage develop in hot, dry conditions. Rinse foliage or apply horticultural oil to restore healthy color.
- Sooty Mold: A black, powdery coating appears on leaves due to honeydew from insects like aphids. Address the underlying pests and gently wash foliage to improve appearance.
- Root Rot: Sudden wilting and yellowing occur in poorly drained, waterlogged soils. Improve drainage and reduce watering frequency to protect root health.
These shrubs commonly live 30-50 years with proper care, maintaining their full evergreen structure throughout. Their longevity makes them dependable landscape standards.
It grows at a moderate rate of 12-18 inches per year and typically reaches a mature, rounded form within 6-10 years. This steady pace allows it to fill out beautifully without excessive maintenance.
Yes - its small spring flowers attract subtle pollinator activity, which helps promote heavy berry production. While the blooms are modest, they play an important ecological role in the plant's seasonal cycle.
Its thick, tough, mildly spiny leaves are generally unappealing to deer, making browsing uncommon. Young shrubs may still appreciate temporary protection in high-pressure areas.
It can be grown in large containers while young, especially for patios or entryways. Over time, planting in the ground provides the best long-term stability and berry production.
It cannot be divided, as it grows from a single woody trunk or branching crown. Propagation requires cuttings or nursery-grown stock.
Absolutely - it makes excellent hedges, screens, and evergreen mass plantings due to its dense growth and year-round color. Repeated plantings create a cohesive, richly textured landscape effect.
Companions like Loropetalum, Abelias, Azaleas, compact grasses, and flowering perennials complement its glossy foliage and bright berries. Layering creates year-round interest and depth.
Yes - it handles pollution, compacted soils, and reflected heat extremely well. Its durability and evergreen presence make it valuable in city gardens and commercial landscapes.
Young shrubs transplant well when moved during the cooler seasons with an intact root ball. Once reestablished, they resume healthy growth quickly.
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Burford Holly This plant | ||
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii' | Ilex x 'EN-7' |
| Size at Maturity | 15' H x 10' W | 14' H x 7' W |
| Leaf Retention | Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Sizes Available | 15, 45 gal | 3, 5, 10, 15, 45 gal |
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