Dwarf yaupon is a resilient shrub that is perfect for small gardens. All that is needed is regular pruning and it will stay small and cute for decades!
Key Dwarf Yaupon facts
Name – Ilex vomitoria sp.
Family – Ilex (holly)
Type – evergreen
Exposure – part to full sun
Soil – not important
Height – up to four feet (1+ meter)
Read our tips on how to plant and care for it both in an open garden and in garden boxes.
There’s no need to prepare the soil because dwarf yaupon isn’t a very demanding shrub. It grows slowly and is able to pull nutrients out even from poor soil.
Growing dwarf yaupon in a container is very easy.
For dwarf yaupon, only the most basic care is required:
No need to fertilize your dwarf yaupon shrub unless it’s in a pot.
Repot dwarf yaupon grown in containers every 2 to 3 years.
If your dwarf yaupon is in a garden box or planter, prune yearly to retain its small, tight shape.
Dwarf yaupon is perfect for low-lying hedges.
In Europe, boxwood is often used for low-lying hedges, but dwarf yaupon does a great job at it, too!
| Desired hedge height | Spacing |
|---|---|
| 1 foot (30 cm) | 8 inches (20 cm) |
| 2 feet (60 cm) | 1 ½ feet (45 cm) |
| 3 feet (90 cm) | 2 feet (60 cm) |
In short, space your dwarf yaupon plants about 2/3ds of how tall you want your hedge to be.
If you want to have your hedge trimmed and shaped into rectangular shapes, you’ll have to prune twice a year at least. Indeed, dwarf yaupon naturally grows into round, mounding shapes.
Best is to consider letting it grow naturally. It will create a long, low hedge shaped in a half-circle, much like the long lines in a lavender field. In this case, you’ll only need to prune once a year to keep it from growing too large.
Dwarf yaupon is a shrubby tree that is very well suited to being grown as a bonsai.
Slow-growing and evergreen, it can be shaped into many elegant shapes like cloud pruning and more.
No known dwarf yaupon pests or diseases. This is a very resistant tree!
When grown in pots or planters, however, it will be vulnerable to drying out and to excessive cold (colder than 5°F or -15°C).
More information here on dwarf yaupon hollies, including how large they grow.
Dwarf yaupon is a desirable addition to any garden, big or small. Its wood is very hard, and mature twigs tend to break off easily. Don’t use potted dwarf yaupon for goal posts when playing with children!
Read more:
Dwarf yaupon holds better to drought when the ground is covered with mulch.
I have one yaupon Holly and Possum haw holly both are female. I want to know if you can have a male from either of this two or another male that will lead to berries?
Hello Alma, landscaping professionals comment that both of these species are readily pollinated by American Holly (Ilex opaca is the botanical name). Try finding a male cultivar for that and you should be fine.
Thank you.