Winterberry, Bare Root

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

Winterberry is a deciduous native holly for moist hedges, rain gardens, and habitat borders. These seedlings are not named cultivars or sex-selected female plants.

Key Characteristics

Understand the seedling mix

Plants may be male or female, and the sex of each seedling is not guaranteed. Planting several improves the opportunity for a mixed group, but does not guarantee either sex in an order.

Flowers before winter fruit

Female plants need pollen from a nearby male winterberry flowering at the same time. Small spring flowers feed insects, followed by berries that birds such as cedar waxwings may use later.

Acidic soil and reliable moisture

Moist, acidic soil helps maintain healthy foliage and fruit. Dry conditions can reduce berry retention; alkaline soil can cause yellowing.

Product Details

• Origin: Eastern North America
• Plant type: Deciduous perennial shrub
• Sun: Full Sun; Part Sun/Shade; Full Shade
• Soil moisture: Wet; Medium-Wet; Medium
• Mature height: 3–15 feet
• Bloom: May–June; White, Green
• Fruit / seed: Red fruit on pollinated female plants; food for birds, not for people.
• Pollination: Male and female winterberry plants with overlapping bloom are required for berries. Stock is unsexed.
• Hardiness: USDA zones 3–9
• Stock: 2-3' Seedling.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Keep roots moist until planting and water thoroughly afterward. Maintain a mulched, grass-free area with mulch clear of the trunk. Use a soil test to guide feeding; our Tree Planting Kit fertilizer blend is optional and should be used according to its label, away from bare roots.

Allow seedlings to flower before assessing pollination. Fruit is not edible for people; avoid pruning away the growth needed for flowers and berries.