Dwarf Yaupon Holly
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Slow to Moderate (6-12 in/year)
- Full Sun to Part Shade
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Deer resistant
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About Dwarf Yaupon Holly
Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria 'Nana') is a compact cultivar of Yaupon Holly, a native Southeastern species found throughout Georgia's coastal plain and lower Piedmont, prized as a low, dense, fine-textured evergreen shrub reaching just 2-4 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, small enough for foundation plantings, low hedges, and formal parterre-style edging. Its small, spineless leaves are softer to the touch than most hollies, and it takes shearing exceptionally well, making it a popular substitute for boxwood in Southern landscapes since it tolerates Georgia's heat and humidity better than boxwood while avoiding boxwood blight, a serious fungal disease increasingly problematic in the region. As a true native species selection, it is naturally adapted to Georgia's clay soils and, once established, is exceptionally drought tolerant, requiring almost no supplemental water. Dwarf Yaupon Holly rarely flowers or fruits significantly at this compact size, so its value is purely as reliable, low-maintenance year-round structural foliage rather than for berries or bloom.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 2-4 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 3-4 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Full Sun to Part Shade |
| Water Needs | Low — very drought tolerant once established |
| Bloom Season | N/A (small spring flowers, grown for foliage) |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Moderate (6-12 in/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Pet Safe | Check with a vet |
| Native to Georgia | Yes |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant Dwarf Yaupon Holly in full sun to part shade in well-drained soil; it tolerates Georgia clay and drought exceptionally well once established. Space plants 2-3 feet apart for a low hedge or parterre edging. Water regularly the first season; afterward it needs very little supplemental water. Shear as needed to maintain a formal shape; it responds very well to regular clipping.
Fast Facts
- Native Georgia species (Yaupon Holly) in a compact cultivar
- Mature size: 2-4 ft tall, 3-4 ft wide
- Spineless, fine-textured leaves — softer than most hollies
- Popular boxwood substitute, avoids boxwood blight
- Deer resistant, exceptionally drought tolerant
- Takes shearing well for formal hedges and edging
Pairs Well With
Dwarf Yaupon Holly FAQs
Is Dwarf Yaupon Holly a good substitute for boxwood?
Yes, Dwarf Yaupon Holly is an increasingly popular boxwood substitute in Georgia because it offers similar fine-textured, formal evergreen structure while tolerating heat and humidity better and completely avoiding boxwood blight, a serious fungal disease affecting boxwood across the Southeast. It also requires less water once established.
Is Dwarf Yaupon Holly native to Georgia?
Yes, Dwarf Yaupon Holly is native to Georgia and the Southeastern United States, which makes it naturally well adapted to the region's clay soils, summer humidity, and Zone 8a climate. Native status generally means less supplemental water and fertilizer are needed once the plant is established in a Lawrenceville landscape.