Ilex cornuta 'Dwarf Burford'
Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii Nana'
- Phonetic Spelling
- EYE-leks kor-NOO-tuh
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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'Dwarf Burford' holly, also known as Burdordii Nana, is an evergreen shrub that shares many characteristics of 'Burfordii' but is smaller and more compact in form.
Plant in a protected location as it is sensitive to frost and winds. It needs average, levels of moisture and well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade is appreciated. When planted in full sun, the plants will be more compact and wider than tall. It grows rapidly and is easily transplanted. It is a great selection for the south because once established it withstands heat and some drought. The shrub is fast-growing and, dense, and can grow up to 9 or 10 feet.
'Dwarf Burford' is commonly used as a specimen, hedge or planted in small groups. 'Dwarf Burford' is a female cultivar that is parthenocarpic (able to produce fruit without pollination). The red berries and evergreen leaves persist through winter, giving it a great winter interest in a landscape. Grow it in a winter, Asian, drought-tolerant or English garden.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Generally pest-free. Potential pests include holly leaf miner, spider mites, whitefly, and scale. Potential diseases include leaf spot, leaf rot, tar spot, and powdery mildew. Plants are also susceptible to leaf drop, leaf scorch and chlorosis (yellowing of leaves in high pH soils). Winter hardiness can also be an issue so consider planting in a protected spot. Avoid poorly drained soils.
The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests.
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Mountain Ridge Top Garden - North Lawn and Upper Drive Border Mountain Ridge Top Garden - West Lawn and Border
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Ilex
- Species:
- cornuta
- Family:
- Aquifoliaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- China and Korea.
- Distribution:
- Southeastern United States
- Fire Risk Rating:
- medium flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Showy fruits are attractive to birds. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi.
- Play Value:
- Buffer
- Sound
- Wildlife Food Source
- Wind Break
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- Phytophthora root rot
- Edibility:
- Use caution. Berries are slightly toxic to humans if eaten in quantity.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Perennial
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Rounded
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Coarse
- Appendage:
- Spines
- Thorns
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- High Organic Matter
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Long-lasting
- Showy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Winter
- Fruit Type:
- Berry
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- Plant produces bright red, globose berries. Fruits are produced in great quantities and often without pollination (parthenocarpically). Berries are retained through winter.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Cyme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Fragrant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Dioecious plants (male and female) fragrant but inconspicuous white flowers appear in May. Pollinated flowers turn into bright red drupes.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leathery
- Prickly
- Waxy
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Oblong
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Unusually shaped elliptic to oblong leaves (up to 2” long) have a single spine at the apex (although occasionally two spines will develop). Leaves are alternate, simple, coriaceous, dark glossy green and bullate with parallel margins. Leaves are generally smaller than 'Burfordii'.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Light Gray
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
- Bark Description:
- Smooth gray bark becoming finely flakey with size.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- Slender, yellow-green stems turning reddish-green in the winter, buds small, leaf scar with 1 bundle scar. Branchlets are dense.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Lawn
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Asian Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- English Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Winter Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Barrier
- Border
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Mass Planting
- Screen/Privacy
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Heat
- Problems:
- Spines/Thorns
