Yaupon holly is an easy-to-grow native evergreen shrub for gardens throughout the South.
Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria) is among the least demanding nativeevergreen shrubsavailable to Southern gardeners.
Mature stands of yaupon holly can sucker to form dense thickets, creating an informal hedge or privacy screen.
Credit: Dency Kane
The wide variety of selections available in the marketplace ensures that there is a yaupon holly for every situation.
Where to Plant Yaupon Holly
Plant yaupon holly infull sunor part shade.
When planted in dense shade, the growth might become thin and leggy.
This shrub is tolerant of both wet and dry conditions.
When possible, grow it in an area that receives regular moisture.
Once established, yaupon holly is drought tolerant.
This shrub is native to the American Southeast and is a true chameleon in the landscape.
Ideally, plant it in early spring or autumn to avoid the intense heat of midyear.
However, with adequate irrigation, it can handle summer planting.
Plant with the root ball slightly above grade and rake the surrounding soil up to the root ball.
Water the new plant heavily and continue regular watering until it establishes new roots.
For the best results, grow yaupon holly in full sun or part shade.
It is found in bone-dry locations and perpetually wet swampy areas.
It even tolerates moderate levels of salt spray and soil salinity.
It handles dry and humid air and is highly adaptable to southern gardening conditions.
Fertilizer
Yaupon holly doesnt usually require fertilizer.
Pruning
Yaupon holly is fast-growing and highly forgiving ofaggressive pruning techniques, including shearing and espalier.
When left unpruned, many selections form an irregularly branched upright shrub or small tree.
Water the container regularly and keep it out of the drying winter winds to avoid desiccation and death.
Check the plant each season and repot it in a larger container as needed.
Pests and Problems
There are no significant pests or diseases that affect yaupon holly.
Finding a solution may require a soil test to diagnose the issue.
How to Propagate Yaupon Holly
Yaupon holly can be a challenge to propagate successfully.
The seeds are very slow to germinate, taking up to 18 months to emerge.
Immediately put the nicked seed a half-inch deep in the ground and tag the location.
The natural cold and wet weather combined with the warmth of summer helps trigger germination.
A third option is totransplant root suckersgrowing from another plant.
Do this in late winter or early spring for the best chance of success.
It has smaller leaves than traditional yaupon hollies.
The branches are brittle and prone to breaking if handled too roughly.
Schillings Dwarf
Ilex vomitoriaSchillings Dwarf is a slightly smaller and slower-growing holly than Nana.
The new shoots have a purplish color that becomes green in time.
Pendula
Ilex vomitoriaPendula is an appropriate name for this weeping form of yaupon holly.
It includes both fruiting female and non-fruiting male plants.
Weeping forms are rumored to occasionally come true to seed.
However, when it receives regular moisture, it grows in any full sun to part-shade location.
Zones 5-9
Dogwood Shrub
Dogwood shrubs(Cornusspp.)
This shrub performs well in damp part-shade conditions and contrasts nicely with the irregular texture of yaupon holly.
Butterfly weed supportsmonarch butterflies, while yaupon holly supports the birds.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is easy to confuse the native yaupon holly with invasive Chinese privet.
They have a similar size, color, and leaf shape.
You most likely have a male plant.
One male plant is usually enough to pollinate 10 female plants.
American Botanical Council
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