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Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata)
$20-45avg. price
Shrub Deer Resistant

Winterberry Holly

Ilex verticillata

Winterberry Holly is a native deciduous holly that puts on the most spectacular winter show — after the leaves drop, branches are covered in clusters of brilliant red berries that persist through winter against the gray landscape. Birds devour them in late winter. A female plant + nearby male pollinator = a winter garden that glows red.

Hardiness Zones
3-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water Needs
High
Maintenance
Low
Mature Size
6-10 ft H × 6-10 ft W
Growth Rate
Moderate
Bloom Season
Spring (insignificant flowers)
Bloom Color
Brilliant red berries on bare branches (winter)

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade. Loves wet, acidic soil — perfect for rain gardens and low spots. Must have a male pollinator within 50 feet for berry production (one male per 6-10 females). Prune in late winter. Cut berry-laden branches for holiday arrangements.

Landscape Uses

Winter interestRain gardensWet areasBird gardensCut branches

Best Growing Regions

northeastmidwestsoutheast

Great Companion Plants

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