Winterberry Holly

Attributes:
'Winter Red' is a compact cultivar of our native wetland holly , the winterberry. It is known for its abundant fruits that keep their bright red color and remain on the branches into the middle of winter. The lustrous dark green leaves fall off the shrub in autumn making its berry display all the more showy in the winter landscape. It adapts to a wide range of site conditions including wet, light, and heavy soil, full sun or partial shade. It grows best in full sun, acidic, moist soil. Winterberry can be used for a showy accent shrub, planters, hedges, water edges, buffer or medium strips, and holiday decorations. Plant about 4 feet apart for a hedge. 'Winter Red' is a female cultivar and requires a pollinator for fruit production. It is advisable to plant one male in close proximity (within 50 feet) for every 3-5 females. ' Southern Gentlemen' is the pollinator of choice for this southern type winterberry.

Wildlife Value:
The red berries stay on the shrub from early fall through winter. Over 40 species of birds are known to eat winterberry fruit. The dense branches provide shelter and nesting sites for birds.

History/Lore/Use:
'Winter Red' winterberry holly was introduced by Simpson Nursery Company, Vincennes, IN. Winterberry is native to North America with a range from Nova Scotia to Ontario, west to Wisconsin, south to Florida and west to Missouri. 'Winter Red' is the most popular American selection for cutting.

Moisture:
well drained, moist, wet soil

Leaves:
Alternate, simple, elliptic (oval )or obovate to oblanceolate, serrate or double serrate, 1 ½"-3' long, lustrous dark green, may turn bronze in fall

Flower Color:
female is inconspicuous, white

Bloom Time:
late spring, early summer.

Fruit Description:
berry-like drupe, 3/8" across, bright red, often in pairs