header image

Ilex verticillata or Winterberry

Winterberry

Commonly known as Winterberry, this deciduous holly flowers along the stem and develops brightly colored red, orange, or salmon berries in the fall. Native to eastern North America and typically found in damp thickets, swampy areas, near lakes, streams, and moist woodland areas.  

The plant is dioecious growing 6-15 feet tall and suckering to 20 feet wide.  You must have a close male plant to ensure your females will develop fruit. This is typical of many Ilex.  

Winterberry

Winterberry blooms from April through June and is a great source of nectar for native solitary bees. The berries which release sugars best after freezing is a winter food for our birds.  Plants are frequented by Robins, Black Capped Chickadees, Cedar Waxwings, Bluebirds, Cardinals, as well as many others. It is also the host plant for the Henry’s Elfin Butterfly. 

The plant is multi-stemmed and will sucker with age creating a great nesting site for birds. Branches typically cross and fork with leaves at terminal ends providing protection from predation.  

Besides providing for our wildlife, this plant can be used in decorating during the holiday season. Place Winterberry with greens in your outdoor pots over winter for interest and color. 

Winterberry




Also in Lawn & Garden Blog

dianthus
Dianthus are Dandy Perennials for Your Garden!

Dianthus, also known as Pinks, Carnations, and Sweet Williams, encompass over 300 species and are native to Europe and Asia.  They prefer full sun (at least 6 hours), well-drained loamy soils, and weekly watering if needed.  

Continue Reading

Pansies at The Mill of Kingstown
Pansies & Violas for Cold Weather Color!

Pansies as we know them were developed in the late 1700 – early 1800’s. By 1833 there were over 400 varieties in cultivation. Pansies are vibrant annual flowers that can handle a frost, lay dormant throughout winter and bloom again in the spring. 

Continue Reading

Vase of Gladiolus
Spring Bulbs

There are several spring or summer flowers that are best planted as tubers, bulbs, pips, corms, or rhizomes. These are the Dahlias, Gladiolas, Canna, Lily of the Valley, Lilies, Caladium, Colocasia, and Alocasia.  

Continue Reading