winterberry
Ilex verticillata
USDA zones3 to 9
SunHandles full sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to wet soil
Size6 to 12 feet tall6 to 12 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Tree
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Greenish-white
- Foliage color
- Green.
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a shrub for borders, hedges, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and dry to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Bright red berries cling to the bare branches through winter and attract birds. You need both a male and a female plant to get berries, and the male must bloom at the same time.
Pairs well with Spicebush, Sedge, Common snowberry, and White fir.
Native range
Central and eastern North America.