Yaupon Holly
Ilex vomitoria 'Schillings'
Also known as: Schillings Holly · Dwarf Yaupon Holly · Yaupon
A Florida native with dense compact form and exceptional cold hardiness — the native alternative to boxwood in SWFL.
Southwest Florida
Growing Yaupon Holly in SWFL
Yaupon Holly is one of Florida's most underused native shrubs — and one of its most versatile. The Schillings dwarf cultivar stays naturally compact (3–5ft) with dense, fine-textured foliage that responds beautifully to shaping. It is extremely drought tolerant once established, salt-tolerant for protected coastal settings, and qualifies as a Florida native for Babcock Ranch's 75% native requirement. Female plants produce small red berries that attract birds through the winter.
Plant Specifications
| Sun Exposure | Full sun to part shade |
|---|---|
| Water Needs | Low once established — very drought tolerant |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate-high — protected coastal settings |
| Cold Hardiness | Zone 7b — the most cold-hardy option in this catalog |
| Mature Height | 3–5ft (Schillings dwarf) |
| Mature Spread | 3–5ft |
| Growth Rate | Slow to moderate |
Nursery stock photo
Live Inventory
Available Sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Ilex vomitoria is a Florida native and counts toward Babcock Ranch's 75% native species requirement. The Schillings cultivar is one of the more compact forms available, making it easy to fit into native landscape plans where a tidy, low-maintenance shrub is needed.
Yes — Schillings Yaupon Holly is one of the closest Florida substitutes for boxwood in formal sheared hedges. It has similarly fine-textured foliage, responds well to regular trimming, and maintains a dense, tidy form. Unlike boxwood, it is native, drought tolerant, and well adapted to SWFL conditions.
Female plants produce small red berries in late fall and winter — an attractive ornamental feature and excellent wildlife food source. If berries are a priority, ask for female plants. Schillings cultivars are typically produced from cuttings and the sex of individual plants may vary.
Yaupon Holly is in stock.
Call to confirm sizing and current availability.