Shrub · North Texas care guide
Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii Nana'
Nursery Pro tip: Glossy foundation holly that never looks tired. Berries without a pollinator.
The everyday evergreen foundation shrub of North Texas: glossy, nearly spineless leaves, a rounded 4–6 ft mound, and big red berries in fall and winter without needing a pollinator. Slow enough to stay in bounds, tough enough for a west wall.
Full sun to part shade, any drained soil, including hot beds against the house. Space 4 ft apart for a hedge, 5 ft to keep individuals.
Fall through spring is best; container plants can go in any time with attention to water. Hole twice the pot width, ball at grade, native soil, Root Stimulator, mulch.
Twice a week the first month, weekly the first summer, then occasional deep soaks in drought.
Shrub fertilizer in early spring; iron if leaves yellow with green veins.
Late winter, before new growth, or right after berries drop. It stays neat with one light trim a year; hard pruning in February renews an overgrown plant.
Scale and the sooty mold that follows — dormant oil. Leaf spot in a wet spring (cosmetic). Iron chlorosis in alkaline beds near the foundation.
Foundation plantings with dwarf yaupon, nandina, Indian hawthorn, Knock Out roses and liriope.
Written for Rockwall's black clay, heat and winters by the Landscape Source team. Every yard is different — bring a photo by, or ask LS-Ai, and we'll tailor it to your spot.