Dwarf Yaupon Hollys vs Boxwoods

Dwarf yaupon holly is often recommended instead of boxwood today largely because of widespread boxwood decline/dieback, but there are several practical reasons landscapers are making the switch—especially in the Southeast and Gulf Coast.

Boxwood dieback & disease issues

Boxwoods are increasingly affected by:

• Boxwood blight (fungal, spreads easily, often fatal)

• Volutella blight (causes dieback and thinning)

• Root rot in poorly draining soils

• Box tree moth (now spreading in parts of the U.S.)

Once boxwoods start declining, they rarely recover fully, and replacements often fail in the same spot.

Dwarf yaupon is far more disease-resistant

Dwarf yaupon holly:

• Has excellent disease and pest resistance

• Is not susceptible to boxwood blight or box tree moth

• Handles humid, wet, and hot climates much better

This makes it a lower-risk, longer-term investment.

Better heat & humidity tolerance

Boxwoods struggle with:

• Hot summers

• High humidity

• Poor airflow

Dwarf Yaupon thrives in:

• Southern heat

• High humidity

• Full sun to part shade

It stays healthier and fuller with less stress-related dieback.

Similar look, same design function

Dwarf Yaupon:

• Has small leaves similar in scale to boxwood

• Can be sheared into hedges, balls, or low borders

• Works well for formal and semi-formal designs

Most clients don’t notice the difference once established.

Easier maintenance long-term

Compared to boxwood, dwarf yaupon:

• Needs less corrective pruning

• Recovers faster if over-pruned

• Doesn’t thin out from the inside as easily

• Handles rejuvenation pruning well

Soil adaptability

Boxwoods are picky:

• Need well-drained, slightly alkaline soil

Dwarf Yaupon:

• Tolerates clay, sand, acidic soils

• Handles occasional wet feet

• Is drought-tolerant once established

When boxwood might still make sense

• Cooler climates

• Proven disease-free cultivars

• Very formal, European-style gardens

• Sites with excellent airflow and drainage