Plant field guide
Holly (Burford)
Classic Southern holly with large glossy leaves and heavy crops of bright red berries. Nearly spineless leaves (one terminal spine) make it easier to work around than other hollies. Self-fruiting.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii'
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 96 in (244 cm) – 180 in (457 cm)
- Spread
- 72 in (183 cm) – 120 in (305 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 6–9; average annual extreme minimum from -10°F (-23.3°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: March, April.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Self-fruitful. Very heat and drought tolerant once established. Traditional Southern landscape staple. 'Dwarf Burford' stays 6-8 feet.
Pruning
Prune in early spring. Shape as needed. Responds well to heavy pruning for rejuvenation.
Fertilizer
Holly-Tone or acidic fertilizer
Early spring
Mulch
3 inches of pine bark or organic mulch.