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Yaupon Holly Tree
Yaupon Holly Tree
Yaupon Holly Tree
Yaupon Holly Tree
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Tree

Yaupon Holly Tree

5.0/5 1 review
Will it grow where you live?

Zones 7-9

Size: 3-4 ft (Jumbo)
$176 $220

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Soil secured so it stays put in transit
  • Packed so the plant stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Leaves
Evergreen: keeps its leaves all year
Sunlight
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Moderate growth rate; typically reaches 15–25 feet tall and 10–15 feet wide at maturity.
Botanical name
Ilex vomitoria ‘Pride of Houston’
Hardiness
Zones 7-9
Tolerates
Heat tolerantCold hardyDrought tolerantHumidity tolerantWind tolerantCoastal tolerant
USDA zone map for Yaupon Holly Tree

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

5.0
out of 5 · 1 verified reviews

Why customers love it

Healthy, well-rooted plants

Hand-selected and shipped in its nursery pot.

Delivered to your door

Skip the nursery trip. Very little car Tetris required.

Goodbye, noisy neighbors

A living screen that blocks the view, softens the sound and looks better than a fence.

1-year guarantee

If something goes wrong, we'll help make it right.

Care made simple

Plant it right once and it does the rest.

Sun
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

Pick the spot before you dig.

Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Check more often in its first summer.

Grows in
Zones 7-9

Enter your ZIP above to check your zone.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Plant it, then water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    Keep the soil evenly moist while new roots settle in.

  3. 3First summer

    Water deeply during hot, dry spells.

  4. 4Next spring

    New growth starts. Feed as it wakes up.

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.
Watering & sunlight
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.

Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.

Before watering again, check the soil 3–4 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.

Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.

Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.

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.
Care guide

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.

Shipping & what's inside

Your plant ships in its nursery pot with the soil secured, packed so it stays steady on the way to you.

1-year guarantee

Every plant is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
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.
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