Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)

Adding color to the winter landscape, Ilex verticillata (Winterberry) is a slow-growing, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub of upright-rounded habit. It produces an abundance of small, inconspicuous, greenish-white flowers in late spring or early summer. They are followed by a profusion of magnificent cherry red berries from fall through winter. Extremely attractive, they enliven the winter landscape and often persist into late winter unless eaten by birds. The foliage of lustrous, leathery, dark green leaves may develop yellow to purple-tinged fall color. Ilex verticillata are either male or female shrubs. Both male and female plants are needed to have berries. The male must be the same species as the female and bloom at the same time. Use in groupings or masses for maximum effect.

Winterberry bushes attract diverse birds, including the American Robin, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Bluebird, Gray Catbird, and Northern Mockingbird. These species are drawn to its vibrant red berries during colder months, benefiting from the vital food source while aiding in the plant’s seed dispersal, crucial for the ecosystem’s balance.

• Grows with an upright-rounded habit up to 6-10 ft. tall and wide (180-300 cm).
• Full sun to part shade lover, this plant is easily grown in average, medium to wet, well-drained, acidic soils. Tolerates poorly drained soils as well as wet boggy conditions. Does poorly in neutral to alkaline soils and often dies. The most prolific fruit display generally occurs in full sun to light shade. While it can grow in shady conditions, winterberry produces few fruits and is less attractive, becoming a loose and scraggly shrub. Tolerates dry soils but it may abort fruit set.
• Generally pest and disease free
• Mass in mixed shrub borders. Perfect as a specimen plant, hedges, or foundation plantings. Excellent shrub for wet soils, bog gardens, rain gardens, and along streams or ponds. The red-fruited branches make lovely home decorations
• Flowers appear on new growth. Prune to shape in early spring just before new growth appears.
• Seeds require 2 seasons of dormancy. Cuttings root readily.
• All Ilex species may be somewhat toxic if ingested.
• Native to Eastern North America