Plant DetailShow Menu

Dwarf Burford Holly Ilex cornuta 'Dwarf Burford'

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii Nana'
Phonetic Spelling
EYE-leks kor-NU-ta DWAR-f BUR-for-d
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

'Dwarf Burford' Holly, also known as Burdordii Nana, is a I. cornuta cultivar. It is an evergreen shrub that shares many characteristics of the 'Burfordii' cultivar, but is smaller and more compact in form. 'Dwarf Burford' is commonly used as a specimen or planted in small groups or used as a hedge.  Female 'Dwarf Burford' plants are parthenocarpic (able to produce fruit without pollination), grow rapidly, and are easily transplanted. The red berries and beautiful evergreen leaves persist through winter, giving it a great winter interest in a landscape.  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.

Plant in a protected location as it is sensitive to frost and winds. It needs average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. In hot summer climates, afternoon shade is appreciated. If planted in full sun, the plants will get more broad than it will get high.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Generally pest free.  Potential insect 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.

More information on Ilex cornuta.

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:
Tags:
#fragrant#evergreen#small tree#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#specimen#yellow-green#nectar plant#showy fruits#specialized bees#glossy leaves#red fruits#glossy#holly#fantz#bird friendly#bee friendly#wildlife friendly#cpp
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#evergreen#small tree#fragrant flowers#drought tolerant#specimen#yellow-green#nectar plant#showy fruits#specialized bees#glossy leaves#red fruits#glossy#holly#fantz#bird friendly#bee friendly#wildlife friendly#cpp
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Berry
    Drupe
    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.
  • 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.
  • 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'.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Light Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Smooth
    Bark Description:
    Smooth gray bark becoming finely flakey with size.
  • 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.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Lawn
    Slope/Bank
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant 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
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Minor toxicity. Ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other illness in humans.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Saponins
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Fruits