Yaupon Holly Pride of Houston

The Pride of Houston Yaupon Holly is an eye-catching evergreen. Its glossy foliage forms a rich backdrop, while bright red berries emerge in fall and remain through winter, bringing vivid contrast. Featuring an upright, spreading growth habit, it works beautifully as a tall privacy screen, a striking hedge, or a standout focal point in larger landscape spaces. At full maturity, it reaches up to 20 feet tall and around 15 feet wide, providing impressive height and visual presence.

• An evergreen shrub
• Multi-Trunk
• Upright growth habit
• Moderate growth rate
• Glossy foliage, red berries
• Ideal for screens, hedges, and as a focal point

Hardy in zones 7-9, Yaupon Holly ‘Pride of Houston’ thrives in the North Texas climate. Plant it in full sun to partial shade. Use well-drained soil to promote healthy growth and enjoy its striking foliage and seasonal berries year after year.

Maintenance

The Pride of Houston Yaupon Holly is a dependable, low-maintenance evergreen and once established, it requires minimal care to thrive.

• Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first year to establish a strong root system. Afterward, it’s highly drought-tolerant and needs only occasional watering during extended dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as it prefers moderately dry conditions once mature.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning is needed to keep its naturally rounded or upright form. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to remove crossed or crowded branches. For a more formal hedge or screen, shape as desired-but avoid cutting into old wood, as new growth sprouts best from younger stems.
• Fertilizing: Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and berry production. Mature plants often require little feeding, as they thrive in average soil conditions without much amendment.
• Mulching: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base each year to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature. Keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and pest buildup.
• Winter Care: Exceptionally hardy, ‘Pride of Houston’ tolerates cold winters and fluctuating temperatures well. In its first winter after planting, a layer of mulch over the root zone offers extra protection during extreme cold snaps.

Common Issues and How to Take Care of Them

Pride of Houston is a remarkably resilient holly, but a few manageable issues can appear if conditions are unfavorable:

• Leaf Drop: Newly planted hollies may shed some older leaves as they adjust. Maintain even moisture and avoid over-fertilizing to reduce stress.
• Scale Insects: Small, waxy bumps on stems that can cause leaf yellowing. Treat with horticultural oil in late winter or insecticidal soap during active growth.
• Sooty Mold: A black residue on leaves caused by insect honeydew (often from scale). Control the insects, and the mold will gradually disappear.
• Root Rot: Usually due to poorly drained soil or excessive watering. Ensure well-drained planting sites and avoid compacted, soggy soil.
• Lack of Berries: Only female plants produce berries, and a nearby male is required for pollination. Ensure both are present if fruiting is desired.

With minimal care-mainly occasional pruning, light feeding, and good drainage-Yaupon Holly ‘Pride of Houston’ delivers year-round structure, rich greenery, and vibrant red winter color that draws birds and adds visual warmth to the landscape.