Dwarf Yaupon Holly | Low Maintenance Evergreen Shrub

Dwarf Yaupon Holly

5 Gallon

$46.00

1/2

Dwarf Yaupon Holly

Ilex vomitoria 'Nana'

A tough, compact, native evergreen with dense, fine-textured foliage, perfect for low hedges and challenging sites.

$46.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Dwarf Yaupon Holly is a remarkably tough, compact evergreen shrub prized for its dense, rounded form, tiny dark green leaves, and exceptional tolerance for heat, drought, and salt. This female cultivar of the native Yaupon Holly is a low-maintenance workhorse for the southern and coastal landscape, forming a neat, mounded mound of fine-textured foliage that requires little to no pruning . While it produces small, dark red berries, they are often hidden within the dense foliage and are less showy than on larger yaupon varieties . Extremely adaptable and resilient, it is an outstanding choice for foundation plantings, low hedges, mass plantings, and as a versatile filler in challenging garden spots.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Fruit: Small, narrow, oval, dark green, leathery leaves (to 1 inch long) with shallow, rounded teeth; small, pea-sized, dark red berries (drupes) in fall and winter, often partially hidden by foliage; evergreen.
Mature Height: 3-5 ft
Mature Spread: 3-5 ft (can spread wider over time)
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 7-10 ; Sunset 3-9, 11-24, H1, H2
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade (best density in sun)
Core Benefits: Extremely drought, heat, and salt tolerant; dense, rounded form; deer resistant; low maintenance; native; bird-friendly berries.
Best Uses: Foundation plantings, low hedges, mass plantings, borders, slope stabilization, coastal gardens, parking lots, xeriscape gardens, wildlife gardens.

Q: How large does Dwarf Yaupon Holly get?
A: It is a compact, slow-to-moderate grower, typically reaching 3-5 feet in both height and spreadat maturity . It can eventually spread wider over many years but is easily maintained at a smaller size with occasional pruning.

Q: Does Dwarf Yaupon Holly produce berries?
A: 'Nana' is a female cultivar, so it will produce small, dark red berries in fall and winter . However, the berries are often less showy than on other hollies because they tend to be hidden within the dense foliage. They are still an important food source for birds.

Q: Does it need a male pollinator to produce berries?
A: Yes, like all hollies, it is dioecious. To produce berries, a female plant (like 'Nana') needs a male Yaupon Holly (e.g., Ilex vomitoria 'Pendula' or a male selection) planted nearby for cross-pollination . Without a male, the plant will flower but not produce fruit.

Q: How much sun does it need?
A: It performs best in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily) for the densest growth habit. It will tolerate partial shade, but the plant will be more open and less compact.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Once established, it is extremely drought-tolerant. Water regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system. After that, it requires little to no supplemental water, even in hot, dry climates. Overwatering should be avoided.

Q: Is it deer resistant?
A: Yes, hollies are generally resistant to deer browsing due to their tough, spiny-edged leaves . This makes Dwarf Yaupon Holly an excellent choice for gardens where deer pressure is a concern.

Q: Can it be used as a low hedge?
A: Yes, it is an outstanding choice for a low, formal or informal hedge. Its dense, fine-textured foliage, slow growth, and tolerance for shearing make it ideal for creating a neat, tidy border along a walkway, driveway, or garden bed . Plant 2-3 feet apart for a solid hedge.

Q: Why is the species called Ilex vomitoria?
A: The species name "vomitoria" refers to the ceremonial use of the leaves (and other Yaupon holly species) by some Native American tribes to create a "black drink" used in purification rituals. Despite the name, the plant is not toxic and the leaves were (and are) used to make a caffeine-rich tea . The dwarf cultivar 'Nana' is grown purely for ornament.