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Shrub

Chinese Holly

Ilex cornuta

Traits

Zone 9a Hardy

Varieties We Bring In

StandardIlex cornuta
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$14.95

Last received Jul 19, 2026.

We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.

Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.

LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterLow
Mature size8-15 feet × 6-10 feet
Visit Nursery

Pet toxicity: Toxic to dogs and cats

Pet safety guide

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.

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

Recommended months: March, April, May, September, October, November.

January, other month
February, other month
March, good window
April, good window
May, good window
June, other month
July, other month
August, other month
September, good window
October, good window
November, good window, this month
December, other month
This monthGood windowOther months

Seasonal care

Bloom season. Good planting window.

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.

Similar needs

Beautyberry

Beautyberry

Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.

From $7.95Same conditions
Distylium

Distylium

Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.

From $29.95Same conditions
Yaupon Holly

Yaupon Holly

Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.

From $14.95Same conditions
Asiatic Jasmine

Asiatic Jasmine

Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.

From $5.95Same conditions
Pindo Palm

Pindo Palm

Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.

From $125.00Same conditions
Wild Coffee

Wild Coffee

Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.

From $9.95Same conditions

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Common questions

Is Chinese Holly a good plant for St. Augustine?

Chinese Holly is a shrub. Mature size: 8-15 feet × 6-10 feet. Light: Full Sun, Part Shade. Water needs: Low. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a.

What is the recorded pet toxicity for Chinese Holly?

Toxic to dogs and cats

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.