Shrub
Chinese Holly
Ilex cornuta
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardIlex cornuta
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$14.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterLow
Mature size8-15 feet × 6-10 feet
About Chinese Holly
Buford Holly (Ilex cornuta 'Bufordii') is a popular evergreen shrub selection of Chinese Holly, featuring glossy, spiny dark green leaves and heavy crops of large bright red berries that persist through winter. Its dense, mounding form makes it a versatile choice for hedges, screens, and foundation plantings. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Grows in full sun to part shade; full sun encourages denser growth and better fruiting. In NE Florida, a minimum of 4–6 hours of direct sun is ideal for vigorous berry production.
Water
Drought-tolerant once established. Water deeply after planting then taper off; mature plants need little supplemental irrigation in NE Florida except during prolonged dry spells. Mulch roots to conserve moisture.
Soil & Fertilizer
Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil (pH 5.0–6.5). Apply a slow-release azalea/camellia fertilizer in spring. Avoid wet feet, which invite root rot in Florida's sandy soils.
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Common questions
Is Chinese Holly a good plant for St. Augustine?
Chinese Holly is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 8-15 feet × 6-10 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.