Species
Ilex verticillataWinterberry9 other cultivars
‘Winter Red’Winter Red Winterberry
‘Afterglow’Afterglow Winterberry Holly
‘Farrowmrp’Mr. Poppins Winterberry
‘Apollo’Winterberry Holly
‘Roberta Case’Berry Heavy Gold Winterberry
‘Jim Dandy’Jim Dandy Winterberry
‘Sparkleberry’Sparkleberry Winterberry
‘Red Sprite’Red Sprite Winterberry
‘Spravy’Berry Heavy Winterberry
The Story
Plant Bio
Ilex verticillata, or winterberry, is a deciduous holly native to eastern North America, prized for the female plants' brilliant display of berries on bare winter stems. Male plants are required for pollination.
'Southern Gentleman' is a late-blooming male cultivar selected to be an effective pollinator for late-blooming female winterberries like 'Winter Red' and 'Sparkleberry'. It does not produce berries.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
84 inches
Width
84 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium to wet
Humidity
Prefers high
Lifespan
Long-lived shrub
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic (no berries produced)
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site with full sun for best performance.
- This plant thrives in moist to wet, acidic soils.
- Dig a hole and plant at the same depth as the container.
- Water in well, ensuring good soil-to-root contact.
- Mulch to conserve moisture, which this plant loves.
- Provide consistent water, especially in the first year.
Pro Tip
Plant one 'Southern Gentleman' within 50 feet of up to 5-10 female winterberry shrubs for successful pollination.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide acidic, moist to wet soil.
- Plant in full sun for best flowering (pollen production).
- Ensure it's planted near compatible, late-blooming female cultivars.
- Mulch to maintain consistent soil moisture.
Don't
- Do not let the soil dry out.
- Do not plant in alkaline soil; it will cause chlorosis.
- Do not expect it to produce berries; it is a male plant.
- Avoid heavy pruning, as it may remove flower buds.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Southern Gentleman Winterberry questions
What zones can Southern Gentleman Winterberry grow in?
Southern Gentleman 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 Southern Gentleman Winterberry deer resistant?
Yes — Southern Gentleman Winterberry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Southern Gentleman Winterberry bloom?
Southern Gentleman 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 Southern Gentleman Winterberry need full sun?
Southern Gentleman Winterberry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Ilex to compare
Gem Box Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'Gem Box'
Sky Pencil Holly
Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
Dwarf Pagoda Holly
Ilex crenata 'Dwarf Pagoda'
Mr Poppins Holly
Ilex x meserveae 'Mr Poppins'
Blue Holly Berry Poppins
Ilex x meserveae 'Berry Poppins'
Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'Squeeze Box'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Grow Southern Gentleman 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.