Species

Ilex verticillataWinterberry

9 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Afterglow Winterberry Holly

Ilex verticillata 'Afterglow'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex verticillata, or Winterberry, is a deciduous holly native to eastern North America. It is famed for its incredible winter display of brightly colored berries on bare stems.

'Afterglow' is a compact female cultivar prized for its abundant, large, orange-red berries. Its smaller stature makes it suitable for a wide range of garden sizes.

Uses & Benefits:

The primary value of 'Afterglow' is its spectacular winter show. After the leaves drop, the branches are covered in masses of brilliant orange-red berries, creating a stunning visual against snow or a dark background.

Its tolerance for wet soils makes it a perfect choice for rain gardens, pond edges, and other damp areas in the landscape. The cut branches are highly valued for floral arrangements and holiday decor.

The berries are a critical late-season food source for many bird species, including cedar waxwings, bluebirds, and robins, often after other food sources have been depleted. It is a host plant for the Harris' Three-spot moth.

SpeciesIlex verticillataWinterberry

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

60"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived deciduous shrub

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Berries are toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with acidic, moist to wet soil and full sun.
Plant a compatible male pollinator, 'Jim Dandy', nearby.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
Set the plant in the hole so the crown is at soil level.
Backfill with soil and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch with compost or shredded leaves to retain moisture.

Pro Tip

For berry production, plant one male 'Jim Dandy' for every 6-10 'Afterglow' females within 50 feet.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent water, especially in the first year.
Plant in masses for the most dramatic winter display.
Prune to improve air circulation and remove crossing branches.
Enjoy cutting branches for holiday decorations.

Don't

Don't plant in dry or alkaline soils.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which will severely limit berry production.
Don't forget the male pollinator; no male means no berries.
Don't prune heavily, as flowers (and thus berries) form on new wood.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stunning winter interest focal pointBrilliant mass planting in moist areasEssential component of a wildlife or rain garden

Companion Plants

Cornus sericea Aronia arbutifolia Clethra alnifolia Panicum virgatum Lobelia cardinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Afterglow Winterberry Holly questions

What zones can Afterglow Winterberry Holly grow in?

Afterglow Winterberry Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Afterglow Winterberry Holly deer resistant?

Yes — Afterglow Winterberry Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Afterglow Winterberry Holly bloom?

Afterglow Winterberry Holly typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Afterglow Winterberry Holly need full sun?

Afterglow Winterberry Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.