Felder Rushing
Family
Aquifoliaceae
Botanical Name
Ilex verticillata
Plant Common Name
Deciduous Holly, Winterberry
General Description
There is no better shrub for the winter landscape than this large deciduous holly from eastern North America. From fall to midwinter, bright berries line its dense branches.
In spring, winterberry puts forth serrated, oval, medium to dark green leaves. About 2 weeks later its fragrant small white flowers bloom. Like most hollies, winterberry is dioecious, which means a plant has either male or female flowers. Only the females produce fruit, but males are needed for pollination and berry set. The flowers are pollinated by bees and the berries that follow develop their bright colors in fall before the foliage turns shades of yellow and purple and drops. The fruits are typically red but orange- and gold-berried cultivars are also available. Hungry birds will eventually eat them but this will not happen until other more desirable food sources have been depleted, usually by midwinter.
Plant winterberry in full sun and moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil for best flowering and fruiting. It does well in damp sites. Use it as a foundation shrub or clustered in masses in a mixed shrub border. It is great for wildlife, and dwarf cultivars are available for smaller gardens. Its berried branches are unsurpassed for holiday decorating.
One male plant is sufficient to pollinate four to six females. Consult your local extension agent to learn more about specific cultivars (both male and female) that are best suited to your area. Proven female cultivars include 'Winter Red', 'Nana' ('Red Sprite'), 'Afterglow', 'Cacapon' and 'Winter Gold'. Standard male pollinators are 'Jim Dandy', 'Southern Gentleman' and 'Late Male'.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 4
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 9
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Sunset Zone
A2, A3, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
5'-12' / 1.5m - 3.7m
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Width
6'-12' / 1.8m - 3.7m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
North America, United States, Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Canada
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Tolerances
Wet Site, Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Red, Dark Red, Orange Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Bark Color
Black, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
