Tag Archives: Winterberry Holly

Horticulture Report: Winterberry

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Plant Name: Ilex verticillata, cross of Ilex verticillate & Ilex serrata
Common name: Winterberry
Plant type: deciduous, medium to tall shrub
Height: 4’-12’
Spread: 4’-10’
Bloom Time: May, June 
Flower Color: White
Exposure: Full sun to Partial shade
Soil Requirements: average soil conditions.
Water Needs: average to low
Attributes: Grown for showy red winter berries on leafless stems. Berries feed overwintering birds.  Butterflies are attracted to flowers. Deer Resistant shrub.
Note: Winterberries are dioecious (separate male & female plants are needed for berry production; one male plant for 10-20 females. Flowers on new growth in late spring. Natural habitat Swamps, streams, river banks, near lakes or ponds.  
Uses: Stems are cut for use in winter floral displays.
Native to: China, Japan and Eastern North America
Oregon Native:  NO
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-8

*Link to “Guide to Growing Winterberry Holly”,  by: Stacey Hirvela  for Proven Winners: https://www.provenwinners.com/learn/finding-right-plant/ultimate-guide-winterberry-holly

A few  varieties are: Berry Heavy ®, Berry Poppins™,  Jim Dandy (male)

Report by: Gena Goddard, Ashland Garden Club

Winterberry Holly

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Plant Name: Ilex verticillatawinterberry_Ilex verticillata
Common Name: Winterberry Holly
Plant type: Deciduous shrub
Height: 3-12 ft – depending on varieties  
Spread:  Same information as height
Bloom Time:  Early  summer
Flower Color:  White, or cream  – small
Exposure:  Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Rich organic acidic soil, but grows in average garden soil.
Water Needs:  Moist boggy areas
Native to: Eastern North America
USDA Hardiness Zone: 3-9

Attributes: Vibrant Red Winter Berries, Important food source for American Robins, Winter Interest.

Uses:  Wetland habitats, Native gardens, Bird habitat, Rain garden, Firewise garden, Wildlife gardens, Cutting garden, Containers dwarf varieties, Floral arrangements.

Note:  Plants are dioecious meaning male or female.  A male plant is needed for female plants to produce berries.  Plant a male shrub within 50 feet of female plants. One male plant can pollinate 6-10  female plants, but note blooming time must match when female’s bloom.  Slow growers.  Shrubs can sucker out into a dense thicket when planted in wet boggy areas.

A few varieties are listed below:

            Berry Heavy:  6-8 ft  (female)
            Berry Nice:   6-8 ft     (female)
            Sparkleberry:  5-8 ft  (female)
            Southern Gentleman: 12 ft  (male)
            Apollo: 6-10 ft (male)
            Raritan Chief:  7 ft T X 12 ft W (male)
            Jim Dandy:  6-10 ft  (male)

Dwarf varieties:

            Afterglow:  3-6 ft  (female)
            Little Goblin: 3-5 ft (female)
            Little Goblin Guy: 3-5 ft (male)
            Red Sprite:  3-5 ft  (female)
            Berry Poppins:  3-4 ft (female)
Mr. Poppins: 3-4 ft  (male)

by: Carlotta Lucas