Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a structural shrub with non-showy white blooms in late spring followed by showy red berries late summer through winter. They prefer wet to moist soil in part sun to shade where they can grow to be over 8 feet tall and 8 feet wide. They are a good structural plant for the slopes of larger plantings. Underplanting species include Rosy Sedge (Carex rosea) and Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea).

Maintenance

Prune in late winter to maintain height and shape. Remove any dead or diseased wood.

About

Light Requirements
Part Sun, Shade
Moisture Requirements
Slopes, Basin
Soil Requirements
Acidic, Sand
Height
Medium, Tall, Very Tall
Spacing
4 to 6 feet
Category
Structural
Attracts
Bees, Birds
Illinois Native Plant Status
Illinois Native, Indiana Native
Bloom Time
June, July
Bloom Color
White
Seasonality
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Sociability
Individuals, Groups up to 5
Other Notable Cultivars & Varieties
Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite', Ilex verticillata 'Jim Dandy'