Winterberry Holly
Ilex verticillata
A native deciduous holly that transforms the winter landscape with brilliant red berries persisting on bare branches long after leaves have dropped. This adaptable shrub thrives in wet soils where other plants struggle, making it perfect for rain gardens or low-lying areas. The spectacular winter berry display attracts birds while providing crucial cold-season interest when most shrubs are dormant.
Sun
'Afterglow'
Zones
3–9
USDA hardiness
Height
3-15 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Winterberry Holly in USDA Zone 7
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Winterberry Holly · Zones 3–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
Complete Growing Guide
Light: 'Afterglow', 'Berry Heavy', 'Berry Nice', 'Bright Horizon', 'Jim Dandy', 'Jolly Red', 'Red Sprite', 'Southern Gentleman', 'Sunset', 'Winter Gold', 'Winter Red'. Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist, Occasionally Wet. Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 3 ft. 0 in. - 12 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Slow. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
Bright red berry-like fruits on female plants persist into winter. Cultivars may have yellow-orange or orange fruits. Fruits ripen from August to December. Fruits are striking on bare branches.
Color: Gold/Yellow, Orange, Red/Burgundy. Type: Drupe. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Garden value: Long-lasting, Showy
Harvest time: Fall, Winter
Bloom time: Spring
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Deer, Fire, Salt, Wet Soil
- +Attracts: Attracts Pollinators, Wildlife Food Source, Wildlife Larval Host
- +Wildlife value: The Winterberry is a host plant for Henry's Elfin butterfly and attracts other pollinators. Its fruits are eaten by over 48 species of birds, including cedar waxwings, and small mammals. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi. The foliage is food source for rabbits and deer.
Considerations
- -Toxic (Fruits, Leaves): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Blueberry
Shares similar acidic soil requirements and provides complementary fruiting seasons
Rhododendron
Compatible acid-loving shrub that creates attractive layered plantings
Mountain Laurel
Native companion with similar soil and moisture preferences
Ferns
Provide understory groundcover and thrive in the same moist, acidic conditions
Dogwood
Creates natural woodland habitat and shares wildlife attraction benefits
Serviceberry
Native shrub companion that extends berry season for wildlife
Hosta
Shade-tolerant perennial that complements the holly's understory environment
Astilbe
Thrives in similar moist, partially shaded conditions with acid soil
Keep Apart
Black Walnut
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits growth of many shrubs including hollies
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds suppress growth of nearby plants
Pine Trees
Heavy needle drop can create overly acidic conditions and block air circulation
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Excellent disease resistance, very hardy native
Common Pests
Scale insects, leaf miners (minor)
Diseases
Tar spot (cosmetic), root rot in overly wet conditions