Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)

Out of all the native plants, the winterberry holly probably remains one of those most sought-after species for winter interest. Like all hollies, only the female plants will produce brilliant red berries.

We carry the named cultivars of winterberry holly for those who are looking for predictability.  We also typically have seed grown plants for those looking for genetic diversity.

We usually offer two female selections: ‘Winter Red’ and ‘Red Sprite’. ‘Winter Red’ is a medium sized selection, growing 6 to 8 feet tall and wide on average with an exceptional berry set.   ‘Red Sprite’ is a dwarf winterberry, growing only 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. ‘Jim Dandy’ is the appropriate male variety to pollinate ‘Red Sprite’, ‘Southern Gentleman’ pollinates ‘Winter Red’.

They prefer full sun to part shade, average to wet, slightly acidic soils and can even tolerate flooding.

Winterberry can tolerate occasional standing water, and clay soil.  It is a multi-stemmed shrub that can reach 8 to 10 feet and prefers sun to part sun.

These deciduous shrubs lose their leaves and proudly hold their berries on bare branches, an offering to winter songbirds.  Depending on the weather and the abundance of other food sources, birds may snap up the berries by December or leave them till February.

We carry the named cultivars of winterberry holly for those who are looking for predictability.  We also always have seed grown plants for those looking for genetic diversity.