Burford Holly (Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’) is a popular evergreen shrub widely used in landscaping for its dense, glossy foliage and vibrant red berries. Its adaptability makes it a favored choice for various garden designs, offering year-round visual appeal. This plant is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in diverse settings, contributing structure and color to outdoor spaces.
Typical Burford Holly Height
The standard Burford Holly, Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’, reaches a mature height of 15 to 25 feet with a spread of 8 to 15 feet under optimal conditions. Mature height refers to the plant’s typical size when it has completed its primary growth. While growth slows significantly after maturity, the plant may continue to expand its canopy. These dimensions represent its potential in ideal settings, as various factors can influence its eventual size.
Factors Affecting Burford Holly Height
Several environmental and cultural elements influence how tall a Burford Holly grows.
Light exposure plays a significant role; while Burford Hollies tolerate partial shade, they thrive and achieve denser growth in full sun (at least six hours of direct sunlight daily). Insufficient light can lead to leggy, sparse growth and reduced berry production.
Soil quality and drainage are also important. These hollies prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil, though they adapt to various types. Poor drainage can lead to root issues, hindering growth.
Water availability directly impacts growth; consistent moisture is beneficial, especially during establishment. Established plants exhibit drought tolerance, but both overwatering (causing root rot) and underwatering can stunt growth. Climate, specifically USDA Hardiness Zones (7-9 for Burford Holly), dictates the plant’s ability to thrive, with extreme temperatures affecting vigor and size. Nutrient levels, often managed through fertilization, also contribute to healthy development. Competition from nearby plants for resources like water, nutrients, and sunlight can also limit growth.
Controlling Burford Holly Height
Managing the height of a Burford Holly involves strategic pruning techniques. These hollies tolerate pruning well and can be shaped to maintain a desired size.
The best time for significant height reduction is late winter or early spring before new growth begins, or after flowering. Pruning during this period encourages new growth and allows the plant to recover effectively.
Heading back cuts, which shorten branches to a bud or lateral branch, are effective for reducing height and encouraging a denser form. Thinning cuts, removing entire branches back to the main stem or ground, can improve air circulation and reduce the plant’s mass. It is advisable not to remove more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at one time during severe pruning.
Burford Holly Varieties and Their Sizes
The term “Burford Holly” encompasses several cultivars, each with distinct mature sizes.
The standard Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’ can reach dimensions of 15 to 25 feet in height and 8 to 15 feet in width. Its substantial size makes it suitable for hedges, screens, or as a small specimen tree.
In contrast, the ‘Dwarf Burford Holly’, known as Ilex cornuta ‘Dwarf Burfordii’ or ‘Nana’, is a more compact variety. This cultivar grows to a mature height of 3 to 8 feet and a spread of 4 to 10 feet. Its smaller stature makes it a popular choice for foundation plantings, low hedges, and smaller garden spaces. Selecting the appropriate variety for a planting site ensures the plant naturally fits the desired height without extensive pruning.