10 named cultivars

shrub

Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

Same species

10 named cultivars

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

96 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Berries are toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

A deciduous holly native to eastern North America, prized for its incredible display of brightly colored berries that persist on bare branches through winter. Unlike evergreen hollies, it drops its leaves in fall, creating a stunning contrast between the vibrant red berries and the winter landscape. It is dioecious, requiring both male and female plants for fruit production.

Uses & Benefits:

Winterberry provides unparalleled winter interest with its masses of brilliant red berries on bare stems, lighting up the dormant landscape. It is a standout specimen against snow.

The berry-laden branches are highly sought after for long-lasting holiday decorations and floral arrangements. It can be used for hedging or massing in difficult wet areas.

The berries are a critical late-season food source for over 40 species of birds, including robins, cedar waxwings, and bluebirds, often after other food sources have been depleted.

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun and moist, acidic soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball.
Ensure you plant a compatible male pollinator nearby.
Set plants at the same depth they grew in the pot.
Backfill the hole and water deeply.
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Plant one male for every 6-10 female plants, ensuring the male's bloom time overlaps with the females' for successful pollination and berry set.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide ample water, especially in the first year.
Plant in acidic soil for best performance.
Choose a male pollinator that blooms at the same time as your female.
Prune to remove dead or crossing branches in late winter.

Don't

Don't expect berries without a male plant nearby.
Avoid planting in dry, alkaline soils.
Don't prune after new growth starts, or you may remove flower buds.
Do not ingest the berries; they are toxic.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Spectacular winter interest specimenNaturalized in moist, open woodlandsEffective hedge or screen

Companion Plants

Cornus sericea Aronia arbutifolia Panicum virgatum Betula nigra Clethra alnifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Winterberry questions

What zones can Winterberry grow in?

Winterberry 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 Winterberry deer resistant?

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

When does Winterberry bloom?

Winterberry 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 Winterberry need full sun?

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