Winterberry Holly - Ilex verticillata

Winterberry Holly - Ilex Verticillata

Bare Roots will be ready in April for pick up or shipping

Phonetic: EYE-lecks vur-tiss-ih-LAY-tuh

Shrubs larger than 1 gallon can not be shipped.

Most shrubs will not be ready before the first week of June when they are fully leafed out.

 1 Gallon Pot -2-2.5' Shrub

2 Gallon Pot - 15-18” Shrub

3 Gallon Pot - 3' Shrub 

Bare Root 12-24"

Winterberry Holly is grown in average, acidic, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Good tolerance for poorly drained soils including wet boggy or swampy conditions. The plant is dioecious, needing both male and female plants to produce the attractive berries. Only fertilized female flowers will produce the attractive red berries that are the signature of the species. Generally, one male winterberry will be sufficient for pollinating 6-10 female plants. Flowers appear on new growth. Flowers, if properly pollinated, give way to a crop of bright red berries that are quite showy and will persist throughout the winter. It's fruits are eaten by over 48 species of birds, including cedar waxwings, and small mammals.

• Hardiness Zone:  3-9
• Native Northeast Region: BONAP Map
• BONAP Map Key Color Guide: Map Color Key
• Sun Exposure:  Full sun to partial shade
• Flower Color: White
• Bloom Time: June, July
• Soil Type: Medium to Wet
• Mature Plant Size: 6-12' Height, 6-12' Width
• Plant Spacing:  8'
• Host Plant:  Henry's Elfin 
• Attracts:  Butterflys, Bees, Birds, Small Mammals
• Advantages:  Naturalize, wetlands, wildlife food source
• Landscape Uses:  Winter interest, Specimen
• Companion Plants:  Red-osier Dogwood and Buttonbush
• Deer Resistant

How Winterberry Holly Moves Through the Seasons

The winterberry holly, like many native perennials, changes through the seasons in simple but important ways, offering both wildlife support and natural beauty all year.

• Spring: In spring, the plant begins to flower. The blooms are small and not very noticeable, but they are important, as they support early-season pollinators when food sources are still limited.
• Summer: During summer, the plant puts its energy into growing leaves and building a full, healthy shape. The thick green foliage helps create shelter for insects and small wildlife.
• Fall: In fall, female plants start forming berries that slowly change in color. This is when winterberry holly becomes more noticeable in the landscape, adding bright seasonal interest while also preparing food for wildlife.
• Winter: In winter, the plant is at its most important stage. The leaves drop, but the berries stay on the branches. These berries provide an important food source for birds during the cold months when food is harder to find.

Transform your landscape with winterberry holly from Bagley Pond Perennials. Shop today or contact us to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need both male and female plants for winterberry holly?

Yes. Only female plants produce berries, but they require a nearby male plant for pollination. One male can typically support multiple females within a reasonable planting distance.

How quickly will it start producing berries?

Most plants begin fruiting within a few growing seasons once they are well established and properly pollinated, though timing can vary based on site conditions.

Can it handle standing water?

It tolerates seasonal wet conditions very well, but it performs best in soils that remain moist rather than fully flooded year-round.

Is it deer-resistant?

It is moderately resistant, though young plants may still need protection in areas with heavy browsing pressure.

Will it grow in shade?

Winterberry holly can survive full sun to partial shade, but berry production is strongest in locations with more consistent sunlight.