Dwarf Yaupon Holly

Plant Type: evergreen shrub
Plant Height: 3–4 feet
Spread: 4–5 feet
Flower Color: inconspicuous; grown for foliage and berries
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Dwarf Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria ‘Stokes’): Compact, Versatile Evergreen for Year-Round Form

Dwarf Yaupon Holly ‘Stokes’ is a compact, dense, and slow-growing evergreen shrub known for its fine-textured foliage and naturally rounded shape. With its tidy form, heat tolerance, and adaptability, it’s a reliable choice for low-maintenance hedges, borders, or specimen plantings in Arizona landscapes.

Key Features of Dwarf Yaupon Holly ‘Stokes’

• Compact Growth Habit: Naturally forms a rounded mound without frequent pruning.
• Evergreen Foliage: Small, fine-textured, dark green leaves provide year-round structure.
• Low Maintenance: Maintains form with minimal trimming; slow to moderate growth rate.
• Heat & Drought Tolerant: Adapts to Arizona’s climate with proper watering during establishment.

Growing and Care Tips

Dwarf Yaupon Holly is tough, adaptable, and works well in both formal and informal designs.

Soil: Prefers well-draining soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, and slightly clay soils.
Water: Moderate watering during establishment; once mature, deep water every 10–14 days in summer.
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring to maintain vigor and foliage color.
Pruning: Light pruning in late winter or early spring will help maintain shape, though often unnecessary.

Landscaping Uses

• Low Hedge or Border: Ideal for defining pathways or property edges.
• Foundation Planting: Works well against walls or in front of taller shrubs.
• Accent Plant: Great as a single specimen in small garden spaces.
• Container Planting: Can be grown in pots for patios or entryways.

Summary

Dwarf Yaupon Holly ‘Stokes’ combines beauty, resilience, and low-maintenance care, making it a dependable choice for structured evergreen form in Arizona landscapes. Its compact size, fine foliage, and adaptability make it a go-to shrub for both residential and commercial plantings.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Dwarf Yaupon Holly ‘Stokes’

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun to partial shade.
Soil: Well-draining soil preferred; amend heavy clay to improve drainage.
Spacing: Space 4–5 feet apart for mass plantings or hedges.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Not required—naturally sturdy and compact.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water deeply after planting to saturate root zone.
• Frequency: Every 3–4 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Enough to soak soil 8–10 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Typically after 3–4 months of consistent watering and healthy new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 10–14 days during heat.
• Winter: Water every 4–6 weeks if dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Position 1 emitter 8–12 inches from base.
Flow Rate: 1 gallon per hour.
Number of Emitters: One for small plants; two for mature specimens.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase slightly during extreme summer heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Dwarf Yaupon Holly ‘Stokes’:

• Soil Check: Allow top 2–3 inches to dry between watering.
• Avoid Overwatering: Consistently wet soil can lead to root issues.
• Mulch: Use gravel or bark mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it away from the trunk base.