Winterberry
Winterberry (Ilex Verticillata) is a type holly that is a deciduous-one that looses it leaves in the winter- holly. This type of holly does very well in wet (although it does not need wet soils to grow), acidic soils. It grows in sun or partial shade. The winterberries are a great naturalized plant, good for problem wet areas, a source of food for birds, and a native pennsylvania plant. The winter is when this plant is at its best because that is when the berries are seen on the leafless plants. You must plant a male and female plant for the female plant to get berries. If planting in groups usually one male will have enough pollin for 6-8 female plants. They can pollinate to about ¼ mile away though closer is better. We usually have these varieties:
‘JIM DANDY’
Use this to pollinate “Red Sprite”, “Berry Nice” and “Afterglow”; Grows 8-10’ by 6-7’
‘RED SPRITE’
Compact grower to 3’ - 4’ by 3’ - 4’; One of the smaller deciduous hollies; Use “Jim Dandy” to pollinate
‘WINTER RED’
Upright and spreading (suckering) to 9’ by 6’ - 8’; Profuse berries; Berries persist through the winter; Use "Apollo" or “Southern Gentleman” for pollinator
‘AFTERGLOW’
Grows slowly to 8-10’; Glossy green leaves; orange to orange-red berries; use “Jim Dandy”, ”southern gentleman”, or“Apollo” to pollinate – (Apollo best)
‘APOLLO’/ SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN
Male form to pollinate “Sparkleberry”, “Winter Red”, and “Afterglow” (Apollo better than S.Gentlman); Tips of new growth is attractive burgandy color; Grows 10-12’
‘SPARKLEBERRY’
Brilliant red fruits persist into winter often to March; Distintly upright to 12-15’; Use “Apollo”or “Southern Gentleman” for pollinator
‘Berry Nice’
Female plant grows to 6-8’ with 5’ spread. Use Jim Dandy to pollinate