Ilex cornuta Burford

Dwarf Burford Chinese Holly

Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’ is a dense evergreen shrub valued for its glossy dark green leaves, broad rounded habit, and abundant bright red berries on female plants. The foliage is thick and leathery with fewer spines than many hollies, often showing a single terminal spine on mature leaves. It is especially prized for heavy berry production and dependable year-round structure.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 8–10 ft · Height: 10–15 ft
USDA Zones: 7a–9b

Form: Dense, rounded to upright

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to a range of soils

Water: Medium; drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Berries attract birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for hedges, screening, foundation plantings, and specimen use where strong evergreen form and winter berry display are desired. It tolerates pruning well and can be maintained formally.

Care:
Plant in well-drained soil and avoid poorly drained sites. Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed. Berry production is often reliable even with limited pollination.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

10-15'

Width

8-10'

Hardiness zones

7–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Container, Foundation Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Dense, Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No