Dwarf Burford Holly Shrub

‘Burfordii Nana’ is the dwarf form of Chinese holly, a dense evergreen shrub with glossy, spiny leaves and red fruit that can persist through winter. The RHS accepts ‘Dwarf Burford’ and lists ‘Burfordii Nana’ as a synonym; North Carolina State’s trait table gives a mature size of 6–8 ft tall and wide, while UF/IFAS lists 5–8 ft for both dimensions. [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/323618/ilex-cornuta-dwarf-burford/details), [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-cornuta-dwarf-burford/common-name/burfordii-nana/), and [UF/IFAS](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/shrubs/dwarf-hollies/) document the named form and its size. ## Siting Use full sun to part shade, with average moisture and well-drained soil. NC State warns that frost and wind can damage the shrub, recommends a sheltered position, and says afternoon shade helps in hot summer climates. Once established, it tolerates heat and some drought. Avoid poorly drained ground. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-cornuta-dwarf-burford/common-name/burfordii-nana/) and the [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/323618/ilex-cornuta-dwarf-burford/details) describe its siting needs. ## Fruit and form Red fruit may persist into winter and attracts birds. NC State describes ‘Dwarf Burford’ as a female selection able to set fruit without pollination; UF/IFAS notes that a nearby male can help ensure fruit on female hollies, so berry production can vary by setting. The shrub has small white spring flowers and dark glossy evergreen leaves with sharp spines. It works as a hedge or screen, border or foundation planting, or container specimen. [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-cornuta-dwarf-burford/common-name/burfordii-nana/), [UF/IFAS](https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/trees-and-shrubs/shrubs/dwarf-hollies/), and [Texas Tech Plant Resources](https://www.depts.ttu.edu/plantresources/Pages/directories/landscape-info-sheets/woody-info/Ilex_cornutaBurfordiiNana.php) support these traits and uses. ## Maintenance Trim hedges in early spring, as the RHS recommends. Wear gloves when handling or pruning because the leaves are spiny. Treat fruit as ornamental, not food; the RHS advises it should not be eaten. [RHS](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/323618/ilex-cornuta-dwarf-burford/details) and [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-cornuta-dwarf-burford/common-name/burfordii-nana/) provide maintenance and safety notes.