University of Illinois Extension
University of Illinois Extension - Selecting Shrubs for Your Home
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/shrubselector
Winterberry
Ilex verticillata
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Winterberry fruit
Size:

Small
Size: medium
Medium

Large
Exposure/ Light Requirements:
Full Shade not required.
Full Shade
Full Sun required.
Full Sun
Partial Sun/Shade required.
Partial Sun/Shade
Pests and Problems:

Environmental Damage

Fungal Disease


Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9 
Mature Height: 6-9 Feet
Mature Width: 6-9 Feet
Features: Bright red fruit on female plants; autumn color is pale yellow.
Culture: Full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil is best, but tolerates wet sites; tolerates alkaline soil.
Cultivars:
  • 'Afterglow'- 10 feet tall, orange to orange red fruit, good cold hardiness, (female).
  • 'Jim Dandy'- 10 feet tall, (male).
  • 'Red Sprite'- 3-5 feet tall, large, bright red fruit (female).
  • 'Southern Gentleman' - Hardy to zone 3, (male).
  • 'Spriber' ('Berry Nice')- 6-8 feet tall, outstanding display of bright red fruit (female).
  • 'Winter Gold'- 7 feet tall, yellow fruit (female).
  • 'Winter Red'- 9 feet tall, bright red fruits are abundant and persistent.
Mature Form: Oval to rounded; will sucker
Native To: United States (and Illinois)
Soil Conditions:
Dry
Soil condition: Moist, Well-DrainedMoist, Well-Drained
Soil condition: WetWet
Tolerance:
Tolerance: Alkaline SoilAlkaline Soil
Dry Sites
Salt
Tolerance: Soil CompactionSoil Compaction
Tolerance: Wet SitesWet Sites
Tolerance: WindWind
Uses:
Barrier
Use for: Border.Border
Foundation
Hedge
Use for: Massing.Massing
Use for: Naturalizing.Naturalizing
Use for: Screen.Screen
Use for: Specimen.Specimen
Foliage Color: Green
 
Fall Foliage Color: Yellow
 
Additional Notes: All species of Ilex have male and female flowers on separate plants. Fruit will be produced only if a male plant is available to pollinate the females. Leaves of this species will fall off in autumn.