Burford Holly

Burford Holly – Evergreen Structure and Seasonal Red Berries for Austin Landscapes

Dwarf Burford Holly is a favorite in Austin landscapes for its compact size, glossy green foliage, and clusters of bright red berries in fall and winter. Unlike many hollies, the dwarf form naturally stays dense and rounded without heavy pruning, making it perfect for foundation plantings, borders, or evergreen accents around patios and entryways. Its moderate growth rate and tidy habit provide year-round structure with very little upkeep.

The dwarf variety also performs well across Austin’s soils — from the thin limestone of the Edwards Plateau to the heavier clays of the Blackland Prairie. On rocky sites, it benefits from mulch to retain moisture; on clay soils, good drainage helps prevent stress. Once established, it tolerates drought and heat, while still offering a refined, polished look in both formal and informal settings.

With a similar leaf structure, standard Burford Holly grows much larger and can be used as a tall hedge, small tree (single stem or multi), and even in Pom Pom form. All offer the same evergreen foliage and seasonal berries on a grander scale. Together, the dwarf and standard forms give designers flexibility: neat low mounds where space is tight, vertical accents where height is needed, or a topiary shape for that wow factor.

Dwarf and Standard Size

• Dwarf Burford Holly – Compact, rounded shrub with dense evergreen foliage and prolific red berries. Mature Size: 3–4ft H, 3–4ft W
• Standard Burford Holly – Large shrub or small tree, suitable for tall screens and hedges.

Mature Size: 15-20ft H, 8-15ft W

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Water Need: Low once established; benefits from supplemental watering in prolonged droughts

Soil: Adaptable to rocky limestone or clay soils; prefers well-drained sites with mulch

Care

• Pruning: Dwarf form keeps its shape naturally so light shaping or berry-harvest pruning once a year if desired. Standard form to maintain desired shape.
• Inspection: Seasonal check for drought stress or root competition from turf.
• Mulching: Annual mulch helps moderate soil temperature and conserve moisture, especially on exposed limestone. Remember to keep mulch away from the plant stem.

At Leaf, we carry dwarf and standard Burford Holly among many other Hollies. We are glad to help you choose the best for your Austin landscapes!