Chinese Holly
Ilex cornuta
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
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.
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
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
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.
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.
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
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Distylium
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Yaupon Holly
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Asiatic Jasmine
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Pindo Palm
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
Wild Coffee
Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, low water, sandy, and zone 9a hardiness.
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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.