Ilex – Berry Nice^® – Winterberry Holly – Ilex verticillata

Attracts: Birds

Bog Plant

Dead-Heading Not Necessary

Native to North America

Fall Interest

Winter Interest

Maintenance Notes

For complete details on growing and getting berries on winterberry holly, please see our Ultimate Guide to Winterberry Holly. 

One male plant will pollinate up to 5 female plants; plant within 50' of one another to assure good pollination.

Adaptable to wet soils, does well in light and heavy soils. First class pick for planting in saturated areas. 

It is best to avoid pruning winterberry hollies, except to remove whole branches for cut flowers or other decorating. Regular  pruning or cutting back, however, will impact the number of flowers and the quantity of fruit that the plant sets. Little pruning should be required, though very old branches can be removed in early spring if they are no longer producing vigorous growth. 

According to the Humane Society of America Ilex berries can be toxic to pets. This is means that the plants are generally identified as having the capability for producing a toxic reaction.

Uses Notes

Great for use in the landscape, excellent winter interest. Beautiful for cuts to create holiday displays. Use in groupings and mass plantings, as perennial or shrub border plants. Good as specimens, screens, or hedges. It tolerates damp soils, and so can be used in bioswales and rain gardens.

Maintenance Category Easy

Water Category Average

Blooms On Old Wood

Bloom Time

Flower Form Cut Flower, Landscape