Evergreen Shrub – Yaupon Holly

Yaupon holly 

Botanical name: Ilex vomitoria 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: can reach heights of up to about 25 ft with a spread that can reach up to 12 ft 

Hardy zone: zones 7-9 

Foliage color:  green 

Growth rate: grows 1-2 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune in the late winter/early spring before new growth begins to emerge to maintain desired size and shape 

Propagation methods:  propagate with cuttings in the spring or summer months 

Landscape use:  Larvae food source for butterfly garden, erosion control, hedge, tree specimen, foundation planting, topiary 

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: produces non-edible ornamental red berries, deer resistant, heat tolerant, salt tolerant, attracts pollinators 

Watering instructions: allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced, slow release fertilizer once a year in the early spring, before new growth begins to emerge

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: loam or sand 

Companion plants: beautyberry, oakleaf hydrangea, mondo grass, salvia 

Toxicity level: toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no