How to Grow Burford Holly - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Burford holly is a fast-growing, evergreen holly that is native to the southeastern United States. It is a popular landscape plant because of its glossy, dark green leaves and reddish-black berries. The burford holly can grow up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It is important to plant burford holly in an area with full sun and well-drained soil.

How to Grow Burford Holly - Plant Care & Tips

Also called

  • Burford yew
  • Irish yew
  • Scottish yew
  • English yew
  • Common yew

Things to Know

  • burford holly is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the genus Ilex, native to the southeastern United States.
  • It typically grows to 6-8 feet (8-4 meters) tall and 8-10 feet (4-3 meters) wide.
  • The leaves are elliptical to oblong, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long and 1-2 inches (5-5 cm) wide, with a glossy dark green upper surface and a paler green lower surface.
  • The Margin of the leaves is sharply serrated with spine-tipped teeth.
  • The small white flowers are borne in clusters of 3-5 in the leaf axils.
  • The fruit is a red drupe, 1/3 inch (8 mm) in diameter, containing a single seed.
  • Holly is dioecious, meaning that individuals bear either male or female flowers.
  • Only female holly plants produce the bright red berries for which the plant is popularly known.
  • Holly is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a winter holiday decoration.
  • Holly is also used in traditional medicines and as a source of food and shelter for wildlife.

Related plant:
Burford Holly Shrub

How to Grow

  1. For burford holly, first step is to grow the shrub in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade.
  2. Then water the shrub regularly, especially during the first growing season, to establish a deep, extensive root system.
  3. Fertilize the shrub annually with a balanced fertilizer.
  4. Prune the shrub as needed to maintain its shape and to remove any dead or diseased branches.
  5. To keep the shrub healthy, provide adequate air circulation around the plant and water only at the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves.
  6. Mulch around the base of the plant to help maintain moisture and protect the roots.
  7. Watch for pests and diseases such as scale, aphids and powdery mildew.
  8. Take care not to damage the roots when transplanting or pruning.
  9. To propagate, take softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
  10. The burford holly is generally a low-maintenance shrub and does not require much special care.

Soil Requirement

About soil , the best type of soil for Burford holly is a well-drained soil mix. This plant is not particular about soil type as long as it is well-drained. Sandy or loamy soils are ideal, but Burford holly will also grow in clay soils. The key is to make sure that the soil does not stay wet for long periods of time. If the soil is too wet, the roots will rot and the plant will die.

Light requirement

So, like the other hollies, the Burford holly (Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii') is an evergreen shrub that is covered in small, spiny leaves. This holly variety is a fast grower, and can reach up to 15 feet tall and 10 feet wide. When given proper care, the Burford holly produces white flowers in the spring, followed by small, black berries in the fall. This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature in Burford Holly is usually cool and comfortable. However, it can occasionally get quite hot, especially in the summer. When this happens, the best place to cool off is in the shade of a tree or in the water.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 40 to 60%. If the humidity drops below 40%, the leaves may turn brown and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the plant may become susceptible to fungal diseases.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant doesn't need a lot of it and in fact, too much fertilizer can actually damage the roots. Holly bushes have deep roots, which help to anchor the plant in the ground and provide stability. If you're thinking of planting a holly bush, make sure the soil is loose and well-draining so the roots have room to grow.

Light requirement

Pruning is a very important task when it comes to taking care of your holly bush. This is because without proper pruning, your holly bush will become overgrown and unmanageable. When pruning your holly bush, you will want to remove any dead or dying branches. You will also want to thin out the bush so that it has a more open and airy appearance.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is relatively easy with burford holly. Cuttings taken from new growth in late spring or early summer will usually root readily. Layering is also successful, as is division of older plants in spring.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is notably fast. The plant is capable of growing up to 36 inches in a single year. However, the burford holly growth rate depends on the growing conditions. The plant grows best in full sun, but it can also tolerate partial shade. The soil should be moist but well-drained. The plant is also tolerant of drought and salt.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are leaf spot, scale and root rot. Leaf spot is caused by a fungus and results in brown or black spots on the leaves. Scale is a small insect that feeds on the plant and can cause damage. Root rot is caused by too much water and results in the roots of the plant decaying.

Tips on Growing

  • If you are growing burford holly in a pot, choose a pot that is at least 18 inches wide and 18 inches deep.
  • Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix.
  • Water the potting mix thoroughly before planting.
  • Plant burford holly in the center of the pot.
  • Water the plant slowly and deeply immediately after planting.
  • Place the pot in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
  • Keep the potting mix moist, but not soggy. water as needed to keep the mix evenly moist.
  • Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
  • Prune burford holly as needed to maintain the desired shape.
  • Overwinter burford holly indoors in a cool, bright location. Water as needed to keep the potting mix evenly moist.

Similar Plants

  • Abelia rupestris (Burford holly)
  • Berberis thunbergii (Burford holly)
  • Electra caesia (Burford holly)
  • Elaeocarpus bicolor (Burford holly)
  • Elaeocarpus reticulatus (Burford holly)
  • Hibbertia pedunculata (Burford holly)
  • Holocarpha virgata (Burford holly)
  • Ilex cornuta (Burford holly)
  • Ilex perado (Burford holly)
  • Cupressus lusitanica (Burford holly)

Source:
Dwarf Burford Holly | Woody Plant Finder | Comprehensive …
Holly Burford - Wilmington
Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii': Burford Holly1 - academia.edu

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Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Shrubs Category