Drought-Tolerant Holly Bush

Ilex Vomitoria

• Commonly called yaupon holly, I. vomitoria includes dwarf species as well as those that grow up to 25 feet tall. It is typically used as a shaped hedge or foundation shrub. Plant yaupon holly in warm climates with frost-free winters.

Ilex Cornuta

• I. cornuta includes the Chinese hollies. Burford, the cultivar seen most often, grows more than 8 feet tall and is one of the few hollies that can produce berries without a pollinator. It tolerates damp soil as well as drought.

Ilex x Nellie R. Stevens

• Nellie R. Stevens is one of the most drought-tolerant hollies. It grows up to 25 feet tall and makes an excellent lawn tree or specimen plant. The plant grows in a pyramidal shape that doesn’t need pruning.

Ilex Decidua

• Possumhaw is unique among the drought-tolerant hollies because its leaves turn yellow and drop off in late fall or winter. This is a treat for wildlife because they don’t have to maneuver among the thorny leaves to get to the berries. Use this 15- to 30-foot plant as an accent tree or shrub.

Ex Glabra

• Inkberry hollies produce black or white berries instead of the usual red. The bush grows up to 8 feet tall and, besides drought, it also tolerates shade, wet soil and seaside conditions. It withstands hard pruning, making it ideal for a variety of uses in difficult sites.

Ilex Crenata

• Japanese hollies come in a variety of types, but the most common variety is a boxwoodlike shrub. It has a natural, mounded shape that seldom needs pruning. The dense foliage provides privacy and protection from strong winds.