Winterberry
Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red'
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
High
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived deciduous shrub
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Berries are mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Ilex verticillata is a deciduous holly native to eastern North America, typically found in swamps and wetlands. It is renowned for its spectacular display of brightly colored berries on bare winter stems. 'Winter Red' is a female cultivar celebrated for its exceptionally large, abundant, and persistent bright red berries. The fruit provides a stunning visual impact in the winter landscape long after the leaves have dropped.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a site with full sun and acidic, moist to wet soil.
- Plant at least one male pollinator within 50 feet of female plants.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- Set the plant in the hole so the crown is level with the soil.
- Backfill with amended soil and water in well.
- Mulch with acidic materials like pine needles or shredded bark.
Pro Tip
You must plant a suitable male pollinator, like 'Southern Gentleman', nearby for 'Winter Red' to produce its signature berries. One male can pollinate several females.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide plenty of water, especially in drier sites.
- Ensure the soil is acidic (pH 4.5-6.5) for best performance.
- Plant in full sun for the most prolific berry production.
- Prune in late winter to improve structure and remove crossing branches.
Don't
- Don't plant in dry, alkaline soils.
- Forget to plant a male pollinator nearby.
- Don't prune after new growth begins in spring, or you may remove flower buds.
- Don't remove all the berry-laden branches for decorating; leave some for the birds.
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
Companion Plants
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.
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Blue Prince Holly Blue Princess Holly
Ilex x meservae 'Blue Prince Princess'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Grow Winterberry with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
