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Dwarf Burford Holly Shrub
Dwarf Burford Holly Shrub
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Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii Nana’
Dwarf Burford Holly
The Dwarf Burford Holly is a compact, evergreen shrub that packs bold beauty into a manageable size. With its glossy green leaves, small white spring flowers, and vibrant red berries, this bare root variety delivers year-round color and structure in a tight, tidy package.
Ideal for low hedges, borders, and foundation plantings, this holly is both tough and elegant—tolerating heat, drought, pollution, and even poor soil. Its naturally rounded shape and slow, steady growth make it a favorite for homeowners who want low-maintenance greenery that looks good every day of the year.
Dwarf Burford Holly
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Variety | Rooted |
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii Nana’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Dwarf Burford Holly, Burford Dwarf |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 4–6 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 4–6 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Slow to moderate (6–12 inches per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 40–75+ years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 7–9 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best berry production in sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Low once established |
| 🍃 Foliage Color | Glossy dark green (evergreen year-round) |
| 🍒 Berry Color | Bright red (fall through winter) |
| 🐝 Wildlife Attraction | Birds, bees, pollinators |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Compact, rounded, densely branched |
| 🌸 Self-Pollinating? | Yes – produces berries without a male holly nearby |
| ↔️ Spacing | 3–5 ft for hedges; 6–8 ft for ornamental spacing |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Low hedges, foundation plants, borders, accents |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low |
Environmental Benefits
🌳 Keeps its shape and color all year long with minimal upkeep
🦜 Provides berries for birds and seasonal interest in the landscape
🌞 Thrives in urban, dry, or high-heat environments
🌿 Acts as a living mulch—dense foliage suppresses weeds naturally
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Evergreen and compact—ideal for small spaces | 🐾 Spiny leaves may not be ideal near foot traffic |
| 🍒 Produces berries without a male pollinator | 📉 Slower growth rate than taller holly varieties |
| 💧 Drought-tolerant once established | ⚠️ May need shaping every few years to stay tidy |
| 🌞 Thrives in sun or partial shade | 🍂 Some leaf drop in late fall can occur during stress periods |
| 🧱 Handles poor soils, city conditions, and heat | 🧪 Can be sensitive to over-fertilizing |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Soak roots for 6–12 hours before planting
🕳️ Dig a hole 2× wider than the root ball; keep crown level with soil
🌾 Mulch 2–3 inches around the base to hold moisture and reduce weeds
💦 Water weekly in the first year; reduce as roots establish
✂️ Prune lightly in early spring to shape or rejuvenate
🧪 Fertilize once a year in early spring with acid-loving evergreen formula
The Dwarf Burford Holly delivers classic holly beauty in a small, mighty package. Whether you're building a formal hedge, a festive border, or an all-season foundation planting, this shrub offers timeless color, texture, and charm—with almost no effort required.
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