Yaupon Holly Tree

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3-4 ft (Jumbo)

$228.00

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons

**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Yaupon Holly Tree ‘Pride of Houston’ is a hardy evergreen tree valued for its dense, dark green foliage, natural upright shape, and year-round landscape appeal. Native to the southern United States, this adaptable holly is well known for its ability to handle heat, drought, and urban conditions with ease. Female trees may produce small red berries that add seasonal interest and support local wildlife.

Botanical name: Ilex vomitoria ‘Pride of Houston’
Evergreen
Grown in the USA

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Yaupon Holly Tree, botanically known as Ilex vomitoria ‘Pride of Houston’, is a classic Texas evergreen tree prized for its dense foliage, natural upright form, and exceptional heat and drought tolerance. This low-maintenance landscape tree features small, dark green leaves and produces bright red berries on female plants, adding year-round interest and wildlife value. Well-adapted to Southern climates, it’s a popular choice for privacy screens, shade, and foundation plantings.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate; typically reaches 15–25 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply 1–2 times per week during the first growing season to establish roots; once established, water every 10–14 days during dry periods. Yaupon Holly performs best in full sun, where it maintains a dense, symmetrical shape. It will also tolerate partial shade, though growth may be slightly more open.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Minimal pruning is required, as ‘Pride of Houston’ naturally develops a clean, upright shape. Light pruning can be done in late winter or early spring to maintain size or remove any crossing or damaged branches.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreen trees in early spring. Avoid over-fertilizing, as Yaupon Holly thrives in lean soils once established. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Cold-hardy in its recommended zones, this evergreen typically requires no winter protection. In colder regions or during unusually harsh winters, a layer of mulch around the base can help insulate the roots.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place the tree so the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with native soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets, and water thoroughly after planting. Apply mulch around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk, to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 7-9

The Yaupon Holly Tree thrives in warm, humid climates and is especially well suited to the Southern United States. It performs exceptionally well in regions with hot summers, mild winters, and occasional drought conditions. Once established, it tolerates heat, urban pollution, and a variety of soil types. Its adaptability makes it a reliable evergreen tree for both residential and commercial landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does the Yaupon Holly Tree get?

At maturity, the Yaupon Holly Tree typically reaches about 15–25 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide. Its naturally upright growth habit makes it a great option for privacy, screening, or as a small shade tree.

How fast does the Yaupon Holly Tree grow?

This Yaupon Holly Tree has a moderate growth rate, usually putting on about 1–2 feet of growth per year once established under proper growing conditions.

Where is the best place to plant the Yaupon Holly Tree?

Plant it in an area that receives full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. It performs especially well in open landscape areas, along property lines, or where an upright evergreen is needed for privacy or structure.

Is the Yaupon Holly Tree evergreen?

Yes, it is an evergreen tree, meaning it keeps its dense green foliage year-round and provides consistent coverage and visual interest in all seasons.

Does the Yaupon Holly Tree produce berries?

Female trees may produce small red berries, but a male Yaupon Holly planted nearby is required for pollination and berry production. Berries typically appear in fall and winter.

Is the Yaupon Holly Tree drought tolerant?

Once established, this tree is considered drought tolerant and requires minimal supplemental watering, making it a good choice for water-wise landscapes.

Can the Yaupon Holly Tree handle heat and humidity?

Yes, it is highly heat tolerant and performs exceptionally well in hot, humid climates, especially throughout the southern United States.

Does the Yaupon Holly Tree need regular pruning?

Pruning is minimal. The tree naturally grows in a clean, upright form, but light pruning can be done in late winter or early spring if shaping or size control is needed.

Is the Yaupon Holly Tree good for privacy?

Yes, its dense evergreen foliage and upright growth habit make it an excellent choice for privacy screens, hedging, or windbreaks when planted in a row.

Can the Yaupon Holly Tree be grown in containers?

Yes, the Yaupon Holly Tree can be grown in a container when it is young, especially for patios or entryways. However, due to its mature size and strong root system, it is best suited for planting in the ground long term. If grown in a container, choose a large pot with drainage holes and plan to transplant it into the landscape as it outgrows the container.

More Details

*SHIPPING DETAILS

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

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Learn more about our Shipping Policy

1 YEAR GUARANTEE

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.