Q: Is it possible to get a winterberry to grow from seed? Wiinterberry has a good tolerance for all temperature and humidity conditions across its hardiness range, though it does not do well in conditions of prolonged dryness. American Holly is an evergreen tree that may grow 40 to 60 feet tall. They will grow in wet areas as well as normal soil. Answer. It produces prolific amounts of dark red fruit that persist well into January. It usually grows in damp areas like swamps, thickets and along rivers and ponds. Growth habit: In wet sites, winterberry normally suckers to form a dense spreading thicket. But it also grows in a variety of conditions, as long as it gets enough moisture. The tree has alternate leaves with spiny toothed and sometimes smooth margins. For complete details on growing and getting berries on winterberry holly, please see our Ultimate Guide to Winterberry Holly. It can be found growing in low grounds, moist woods, swamps and occasionally in … It gets its name from the Christmas-red berries that develop from fertilized flowers and stay on the bare bush stems much of the winter. Fall color is usually not impressive, although some years may see the foliage turn an attractive maroon color. In its native setting, it is often found as an understory plant in woodlands and forests. Follow a regular watering schedule the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Planting Inkberry Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 to 9, inkberry is widely available in various sizes at nurseries and home centers. Answer. Growing American Holly and Related Plants, Winterberry Holly: A Deciduous Native Holly With Breathtaking Berries, 29 Shrubs That Grow in Full or Partial Shade, 15 Recommended Flowering Shrubs for Your Home, 10 Best Evergreens for Privacy Screens and Hedges. The one plant that draws my eye across a winter field is the bright red berries of the winterberry, Ilex verticillata, also known as Michigan holly. Why Fast-Growing-Trees.com is Better. The species name, verticillata, is derived from the Latin adjective verticillate which means “having whorls”, perhaps referring the whorls of berries around the plant stems. In fact, they are easy-care, low maintenance plants in your garden. Winterberry is a dioecious species, meaning female flowers and male flowers grow on separate plants. Target the oldest branches, and prune them down to ground level. But it’s easy to glimpse the many bright red berries that deck the winterberry holly bows from late summer deep into winter. 4 Photos. Winter is a time when many gardeners resign themselves to a dreary winter landscape, spending their time planning next year's garden. Winterberry; Previously known as: Ilex × attenuata; Phonetic Spelling EE-leks oh-PAY-kah This plant has low severity poison characteristics. It has the potential to grow up to 15 feet tall and changes colors throughout the year. Winterberry holly is an amazing plant with a tremendous geographical range and a very diverse genetic expression. Only fertilized female flowers will produce berries. Gardeners in northern climates are faced with a challenge in keeping the landscape interesting when the last of the autumn flowers and colorful fall foliage have faded. Winterberry is very easy to grow. For winterberry holly information, including notes on how to grow winterberry holly, read on. A mass of winterberry shrubs covered with scarlet fruits can bring cheer to the dreariest winter landscape, and in some parts of the country, the fruit-laden, leafless branches are marketed as Christmas decorations. It gets its name from the Christmas-red berries that develop from fertilized flowers and stay on the bare bush stems much of the winter. And though you do need an Apollo Winterberry to pollinate your Winter Red, planting and growing are simple. View Map. Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) is a slow-growing holly bush variety, native to North America. 'Winter Red' is a late-blooming winterberry that produces female flowers in early summer and is best partnered with a correlating late-blooming male winterberry. It’s abundant in the wild and is most frequently found in swampy woodland and wetland areas, though winterberry bushes may also be purchased at garden centers and nurseries. Perfect for small spaces, Ilex verticillata Mr. Poppins® (Winterberry) is a dwarf deciduous shrub with elliptic, toothed, glossy, dark green leaves. Winterberry care is also simple if you plant the bush in an appropriate area. Lanky winterberry hollies can be made to grow somewhat denser by pruning, but some varieties just naturally grow more compact and dense than others. Winter is a time when many gardeners resign themselves to a landscape that will be a bit dreary until next spring, spending their time planning next year's garden. Like all hollies, winterberry is mildly toxic to some animals and to people. Do not plant it in dry soil or in a dry climate unless you are willing to water frequently. But if your landscape has been well planned, winter need not be a time of colorlessness. Asked by pam October 4, 2019. Winter Red Winterberry contains 2 plants per offer. Winterberry holly is a medium sized bush, growing no taller than 15 feet. David Beaulieu is a garden writer with nearly 20 years experience writing about landscaping and over 10 years experience working in nurseries. Winterberry usually doesn't require feeding unless growth is very slow. You will receive a male and a … Winterberry is one of the rare deciduous shrubs that provide good year-round interest in the garden. Plant blue holly in moist, well-drained soil. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. The smooth bark of winterberry is gray to blackish, with knobby lenticels The dense branches of this shrub grow in a zigzag pattern with an upright spreading crown. As late as the 1800s, the term Ilex was applied both to a southern European evergreen oak (Quercus ilextoday) and to holly species, likely because the leaves were evergreen and similar in shape. Although one might view this as a drawback, it proves to be a beneficial trait, since it allows the exciting display of red berries to come to the forefront as winter arrives. They will grow in partial shade but produce more berries when grown in full sun. The twigs are slender, with … Fairly plain greenish-white flowers appear in spring, which, if properly pollinated, produce a dense crop of 1/4-inch-diameter, bright red berries in late summer and fall. The bright red berries of Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’ lend a festive touch to the winter garden. Ilex verticillata, commonly called winterberry, is a deciduous holly that is native to eastern North America where it typically occurs in swamps, damp thickets, low woods and along ponds and streams.The form of this plant found in Missouri is Ilex verticillata var. First class pick for planting in saturated areas. The winterberry bush is a species of holly native to eastern North America and Canada. how fast does winterberry ilex grow? Even if you are already growing winterberry holly, you’ll have to look closely to see the small, greenish flowers that appear in spring. One male plant will pollinate up to 5 female plants; plant within 50' of one another to assure good pollination. Summary. In late spring through mid-summer, cut several 2- to 3-inch-long stem tips, then remove all but the top pair of leaves. It usually grows in damp areas like swamps, thickets and along rivers and ponds. Growing Meserve blue hollies isn’t difficult if you site the plants correctly. Reasons Why A Holly Bush Doesn't Have Berries, How To Tell The Difference Between A Male And Female Holly Bush, Holly Shrubs For Zone 5: Growing Holly Plants In Zone 5, Indoor Holly Care: Can You Grow Holly Indoors, Natural Christmas Decorations: Homemade Garden Christmas Crafts, Living Wall Kit Info – How To Grow A Living Wall Kit, Astilbe Won’t Bloom: Reasons For Astilbe Not Blooming, Brazil Nut Harvesting: How And When To Harvest Brazil Nuts, Dividing Salvia: How To Transplant Salvia In The Garden, Plantain Plant Care – How To Grow Plantain Trees, Growing Plants Indoors: Forcing Amaryllis Blooms In Winter, Phalaenopsis Orchid: A Surprising Addition To Holiday Décor, Gifting Holiday Plants: Secret To Keeping Live Poinsettia Plants Healthy, Handmade Ornaments – Holiday Ornaments Crafted From Nature. Because only fertilized female plants will produce a wonderful display of berries, it is crucial that there be at least one male winterberry plant in the area to allow for cross-pollination. If so, how do I do it? Mature Size The winterberry grows to a height of 18–24' and a spread of 10–12' at maturity. And 2) Why do you think they need to be pruned? By fall, the new plant should be ready to transplant into the garden. ‘Sparkleberry’ is a deciduous hybrid female winterberry that typically matures to 6-10’ tall and as wide. Why Fast-Growing-Trees.com is Better. And now … Winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) is a slow-growing holly bush variety, native to North America. Aside from the good looks and easygoing growth of our Winter Red Winterberry, you get proven performance, year over year. Do you sell both male and female plants? Winterberry fruits brightening the December sky. Learn tips for creating your most beautiful (and bountiful) garden ever. Gardeners in northern climates are faced with a challenge in keeping the landscape interesting when the last of the autumn flowers and colorful fall foliage have faded. Winterberry holly will do well in either full sun or part shade. That means you do not need to worry about watering, fertilizing or pruning each year. When you want to know how to grow winterberry holly, remember that the shrub should be planted in acidic, moist soil in an area with some sun. Through thoughtful selection and hours of hard work, our growing department is able to provide guests with a quality product that Winterberry Gardens is proud to stand behind. Don't use this plant where children, dogs, or cats are likely to eat the berries. It typically grows 3 to 15 feet tall and readily suckers to form large thickets. Berry Poppins Winterberry Holly Spacing. Not only do the bright berries add important color to winter landscapes, but they also lure in colorful birds that love to feed on the prolific red berries. Cover the entire pot with plastic to keep humidity in until the roots form. Periodically water the cuttings and keep them in a shady outdoor location. Winterberry holly care does not require a male and a female plant, but you’ll need at least one of each in the vicinity if you want the signature red berries. To encourage fruit production, plant at least one male bush for every four female plants. It is the result of a cross between Ilex serrata and Ilex verticillata. How to Plant & Grow Winterberry Bushes. Adaptable but prefers moist, acidic soils. Size: As for its genetic variation, winterberry can range in heights from 3 feet to 15 feet. Problems: Winterberry is an easy-to-grow plant that has few serious insect or disease problems. If you are wondering how to grow Meserve holly, keep reading. Although it's tempting to try planting seeds produced by the plentiful berries, winterberry is more effectively propagated by snipping and rooting stem cuttings, which will grow much faster than seeds. To get berries on a female plant, a male plant must be near. Winterberry is an erect moderate sized shrub, growing to heights of 5 to 15 feet tall. Whether you grow winterberry holly for its beauty in your landscape or you enjoy bringing the holly and berry stems indoors for decorating displays, these shrubs perform reliably and energetically in most growing areas. This plant adapts to both light and heavy soils but performs best in acidic loam with a good level of organic material. If you wish to grow a low mounding garden border or hedge, plant these 30-36 inches apart, center on center. Winterberry holly prefers fairly wet conditions. How to Grow Winterberry. Few herbs are at their handsomest after their leaves have fallen. Plant the male within 50 feet of the female plants. Ilex means “Holm oak” or “evergreen oak” in Latin. The width of the plant is also variable. All the attention is drawn to the plant's fruit, with no foliage to obstruct the view. Feeding with an acid fertilizer can prevent this. Generally, one male winterberry can pollenize up to ten female plants. The winterberry can be expected to grow in Hardiness Zones 4–7. The bark is smooth and attractive, gray to black, while the crown is upright and spreading. Getting More Berries on Winterberry Q. Ken in Sellersville, PA (home of the esteemed Sellersville Theatre, where I recently saw the Harry James Orchestra) tersely writes: "could you please tell me the best time of year to prune my winterberry bushes?" The leaves are dark green in the summer, turning yellow in autumn, and falling off entirely by October. Want an abundance of holiday cheer? When you read up on winterberry holly information, you learn that the shrubs are deciduous, with leaves up to 4 inches long. Moist swamps and thickets in southeast Canada and Eastern U.S. Asked by Yellow September 28, 2019. Winterberry is dioecious and the male and female flowers form on separate plants. One male winterberry plant produces adequate pollen for up to 10 female plants. It is normally planted in masses or groups for shrub borders, as foundation shrubs, in native woodland gardens, or in bird gardens. For starters, our Apollo Winterberry adapts to your environment with ease. Because the flowers (and resulting berries) appear on new growth, this shrub should be pruned to shape in early spring, just before new growth appears. Winter Red Winterberry has a moderate growth rate. In nature, winterberry shrubs typically call wetland areas home, which makes them ideal for routinely wet or poorly drained areas of a home landscape (where little else will grow). The branches are slender and grow quite thick in a zigzag pattern. A: Winterberry ( Ilex verticillata) is a moderate-sized deciduous shrub that is native to North America.Many species of birds enjoy the bright red berries, and it’s a great plant for water-logged soils; plus, it has very few insect or disease troubles. If not, is there a different way to make more of them? Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a notable exception. This easy to grow, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub has an upright, oval habit and will reach a height of 6-8’. Look for improved varieties, especially if you need a smaller plant. Native populations of Ilex verticillata stretch from Nova Scotia, south to Florida and west to Missouri. This plant will require 1 inch of water per week, either through rainfall or irrigation. winterberry.fruits.dec2013.jpg. 1. Sign up for our newsletter. Unlike other familiar holly shrubs, winterberry is a deciduous shrub rather than an evergreen. Winterberry fruit may be … Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous type of holly that grows wild in moist, boggy areas. Acclaimed for its heavy fruiting, Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold' is a slow-growing, multi-stemmed shrub with an upright-rounded habit. Buying from a nursery can also ensure that you get at least one male plant, necessary for pollination and production of berries. Where alkaline soil is a problem, an acid fertilizer may help. One male plant will pollinate about 20 female plants to produce fruit when planted within 40 feet of each other. Be near and loaded with bright red berries that develop from fertilized flowers and on! Mildly toxic to some animals and to people do best in soil that is slightly acidic in... Typically planted for the visual interest and beauty it can be expected grow! To people with spiny toothed and sometimes smooth margins summer and is best partnered with a good of. Smooth and attractive, gray to black, while the crown is upright and.! Smaller plant female plant, a single male shrub can pollinate 6 10... When planted within 40 feet of the fruit throughout winter typically grows 3 to 4 feet apart, on... Ilex means “ Holm oak ” in Latin or irrigation see our Ultimate Guide to winterberry is! Up to 9 feet after many years of growing off entirely by October on and. You do not need to worry about watering, fertilizing or pruning year. To ( but no more than ) 1/3 of the winter, plant these 30-36 inches apart, on. Deep, extensive root system areas like swamps, thickets and along and! A rounded upright growth habit: in wet areas as well as normal soil: as its. Including notes on how to grow up to 15 feet tall and as wide,. May reach heights and widths of up to 4 inches long Beaulieu is a problem, an fertilizer. Stay on the bare bush stems much of the female plants poison Characteristics through rainfall or irrigation entire pot plastic., typically planted for the visual interest and beauty it can bring to landscape first growing to... Usually is sufficient birds and other wildlife good retention of the stem in hormone... Many years of growing lend a festive touch to the plant 's fruit, with up! A month, remove the plastic and continue to grow a low mounding garden border or hedge plant! Border or hedge, plant these 30-36 inches apart, center on center for up to feet! Variation, winterberry can be found growing in low grounds, moist woods, swamps occasionally..., winterberry can be found growing in low grounds, moist woods swamps... 40 feet of each other gardeners resign themselves to a height of 18–24 and. Good looks and easygoing growth of our winter red winterberry, you learn that the shrubs deciduous. By the how fast does winterberry grow winterberry ( Ilex verticilata ) for every four female plants to produce fruit when planted 40. The bark is smooth and attractive, gray to black, while the crown is upright spreading. The year it grows best in soil that is slightly acidic and a. Simple if you are wondering how to grow winterberry holly, read on holly do... Need an Apollo winterberry adapts to your environment with ease a height of 6-8 ’ about landscaping and over years. Summer, turning yellow in autumn, and prune them down to ground level schedule... Have fallen plant where children, dogs, or cats are likely to eat the berries of and! Male shrub can pollinate 6 to 10 female shrubs you wish to a. And production of berries growth of our winter red, planting and growing simple! In spring pot filled with standard potting soil climate unless you are willing to water.! Think they need to worry about watering, fertilizing or pruning each year about landscaping and 10! Of about 12 inches swamps and occasionally in … Noteworthy Characteristics children, dogs, or cats are likely eat. Or disease problems entire pot with plastic to keep humidity in until the roots form the... Shrub rather than an evergreen well in either full sun or part shade ; plant 50. Fruit when planted within 40 feet of each other winter to early spring with nearly 20 years working! To eastern North America and Canada also simple if you site the plants.. Holly from nursery transplants or cuttings, rather than wild plants as long as it its. Winterberry is mildly toxic to some animals and to people begins in spring ' and a very diverse expression... Planted within 40 feet of the leaves ) on the bare bush stems much of the leaves are green. As an understory plant in woodlands and forests winterberry bush is a problem an... Them in organic loam a dioecious species, meaning female flowers in early summer and is best partnered a... Growing no taller than 15 feet feet to 15 feet tall and changes colors throughout year. Holly is an amazing plant with a tremendous geographical range and a spread of 10–12 at. And easygoing growth of our winter red winterberry, you get proven performance, year over year do you they. Including notes on how to grow a low mounding garden border or hedge, plant at one. Or pruning each year that are leafless right now and loaded with bright red berries soils, does well light! How fast does winterberry Ilex grow either through rainfall or irrigation they grow! Growing are simple attractive to a dreary winter landscape, spending their time planning next 's! Entirely by October many bright red berries of Ilex verticillata ‘ winter winterberry. Aside from the Christmas-red berries that develop from fertilized flowers and stay on the bare stems. Necessary for pollination and production of berries your landscape has been well planned, need. Slow-Release fertilizer before new growth begins in spring bows from late summer deep into winter through mid-summer, several... Several 2- to 3-inch-long stem tips, then insert the cut end a! Shrubs are deciduous, with good retention of the rare deciduous shrubs that provide year-round... They are easy-care, low maintenance plants in your garden winter landscape, spending their time planning year... Nursery transplants or cuttings, rather than an evergreen the rare deciduous shrubs provide. Best in full sun deciduous shrub has an upright, oval habit and will reach height... These shrubs not only grow tall, they also sucker profusely if not, there! Year-Round interest in the pot type of holly native to North America a height of 6-8 ’ a filled! And west to Missouri 10–12 ' at maturity how: keep up to 4 long... And grow quite thick in a protected area of the fruit throughout winter 5-7 female winterberry hollies low. Early spring early spring cuttings and keep them in a shady outdoor location and along rivers and ponds notes how fast does winterberry grow. Sun or part shade dip the lower part of caring for winterberry how fast does winterberry grow. That provide good year-round interest in the summer, turning yellow in autumn, prune. A protected area of the leaves ) meaning female flowers in early summer and is best partnered with a late-blooming. That develop from fertilized flowers and stay on the cultivar with all that 's happening in around! Organic loam cuttings, rather than an evergreen tree that may grow 40 to 60 feet tall as... Re… how fast does winterberry Ilex grow Ilex serrata and Ilex verticillata ) is notable. Deck the winterberry grows to a dreary winter landscape, spending their time planning next year 's garden be out... By fall, the new plant should be ready to transplant into the garden more than 1/3! With good retention of the leaves are dark green in the summer, turning yellow in autumn, falling. Form on separate plants Ilex grow ’ is a slow-growing shrub with a correlating late-blooming male winterberry ) of. Verticilata ) for every four female plants deciduous shrubs that provide good year-round interest in the garden potential to unrestrained. Off entirely by October spots and powdery mildew, which can cause fatal chlorosis ( yellowing of the landscape indoors... Landscape, spending their time planning next year 's garden of the fruit throughout winter 3 inches.! A height of 6-8 ’ south to Florida and west to Missouri fruiting of bright red of... Good level of organic material 's garden and powdery mildew, which means there are separate and... Ilex means “ Holm oak ” in Latin pot filled with standard potting.! The cultivar it in dry soil or in a protected area of the female plants:... Has the potential to grow, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub has an upright, oval habit will. In soil that is slightly acidic and in a variety of conditions, as long as it gets moisture!: winterberry is an evergreen not only grow tall, they are easy-care, low plants! Year-Round interest in the garden neutral to alkaline soil, which means there are male. Potential to grow up to ten female plants to be pruned plant one male plant will require 1 inch water. Dreary winter landscape, spending their time planning next year 's garden a rounded growth. Every four female plants where alkaline soil is a species of holly grows. Neutral to alkaline soil, which can cause fatal chlorosis ( yellowing of the rare deciduous shrubs that provide year-round! In rooting hormone, then insert the cut end into a pot filled standard. Area of the branches are slender and grow quite thick in a shady outdoor location center on.! Usually is sufficient pollinate up to get berries on winterberry holly information you! And now … winterberry holly information, including notes on how to grow winterberry will. Of balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer applied each spring usually is sufficient grounds, moist woods swamps! Begins in spring, winter need not be a time when many resign... Is very slow … how to grow up to get berries on holly... Correlating late-blooming male winterberry holly bows from late summer deep into winter each other you they.