Chinese Holly

About this plant

A refined and compact selection, Ilex cornuta 'Dwarf Burford' is a garden favorite for its tidy, rounded form and glossy, dark green leaves. Unlike some hollies, its mature leaves are mostly spineless, making it a comfortable choice for areas with foot traffic. Beginning in fall and persisting through winter, this female cultivar produces an abundance of characteristic bright red berries that provide striking color against the dark foliage, offering a vital food source for birds during colder months. Its dense branching makes it an excellent choice for a low hedge, foundation planting, or as a striking stand-alone specimen in smaller landscapes. A resilient and easy-to-grow evergreen, the Dwarf Burford Chinese Holly thrives in a variety of conditions and requires minimal maintenance once established, making it a perfect addition to any discerning gardener's collection. Pair it with other evergreens for textural contrast or use it to anchor a mixed border.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires minimal pruning to maintain shape; prune in late winter before new growth emerges. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer designed for evergreens.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.