Bordeaux Dwarf Yaupon Holly

The Bordeaux Dwarf Yaupon Holly, Ilex vomitoria Condeaux, is a low growing, compact evergreen. Small, burgundy leaves emerge in spring and then turn a gray/silver. Leaves once again turn reddish during freezing weather. Works well in containers, as foundation plantings, mass plantings, in the shrub border and as an informal or formal hedge. Yaupon holly shrubs can also be used to make tea. It was very common for Native Americans to use the dried up leaves to make black tea to enjoy. 1. Simply harvest some of the more mature leaves (and stems if you prefer). 2. Cook in the oven at 400 for 8 minutes until the leaves turn brown. 3. Add 1 tablespoon of the cooked leaves to 2 cups of boiling water. 4. Steep for at least 3 minutes, and allow the water to cool to a safe temperature to drink. Bordeaux Dwarf Yaupon Holly Care Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly to establish. Pruning not necessary but can be sheared for a more formal hedge. Bordeaux Dwarf Yaupon Holly Spacing Plant 4 to 5 feet apart for a formal or informal hedge. For mass plantings or in the shrub border, plant 6 to 8 feet apart.