This shrub is a member of the holly family and makes a nice border or hedge in pond areas, rain gardens. Winterberry is resistant to deer foraging and is a food source for butterflies, pollinators, small mammals, songbirds and specialized bees. It grows 6-12 feet high, likes full to part sun and likes med to wet acidic soil conditions.
Note: Only female flowers will produce the attractive red berries that are the signature of the species. How can you tell if you have a male or female? You have to wait until they start to flower. Females have a large green centre. But you need at least one male for every 6-10 female plants to pollinate. Suggestions are to start with 3 plants to increase your chances of getting one of each.
It has long been available in the nursery trade with many cultivars available, though the cultivars are not as favored by either insects or wildlife.
Ilex Verticillata
Photos by Peter Dzuik of Minnesota Wildflowers
This shrub is a member of the holly family and makes a nice border or hedge in pond areas, rain gardens. Winterberry is resistant to deer foraging and is a food source for butterflies, pollinators, small mammals, songbirds and specialized bees. It grows 6-12 feet high, likes full to part sun and likes med to wet acidic soil conditions.
Note: Only female flowers will produce the attractive red berries that are the signature of the species. How can you tell if you have a male or female? You have to wait until they start to flower. Females have a large green centre. But you need at least one male for every 6-10 female plants to pollinate. Suggestions are to start with 3 plants to increase your chances of getting one of each.
It has long been available in the nursery trade with many cultivars available, though the cultivars are not as favored by either insects or wildlife.
Ilex Verticillata
Photos by Peter Dzuik of Minnesota Wildflowers
