Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman'

‘Southern Gentleman’ is a male cultivar of winterberry holly. It is a perennial, woody, deciduous tree or shrub and a member of the holly family (Aquifoliaceae).

Plant ‘Southern Gentleman’ in full sun to partial shade. It is adaptable to various soil types, including heavy clay, but it requires acidic soil. It prefers moist soil and tolerates poorly drained soils. Flowers will appear on new growth, thus if pruning is needed to shape the plant, do it in early spring just before new growth appears. Because 'Southern Gentleman' is a male plant, it produces no fruit.

'Southern Gentleman' is the late-blooming male pollenizer plant for other, late-blooming, female Ilex verticillata plants. You need a ratio of one male winterberry for every 6 to 10 female plants. The late-blooming female I. verticillata cultivars include ‘Cacapon’, ‘Shaver’, ‘Sunset’, ‘Winter Gold’, and 'Winter Red'. 

Plant as a hedge, border tree, or foundation planting. It can also be planted near a pond or in a rain garden. The foliage is a food source for wildlife. It is also a host plant for butterflies and attracts specialized bees.

Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating.

Quick ID Hints:

• Deciduous shrubby holly with no fruits
• Leaves are serrated and veins are pubescent underneath.
• Leaf veins are impressed on the upper surface of the leaf. 

Insects, Diseases, Other Plant Problems:  The native holly leafminer, Japanese wax scale, and southern red mites are the most frequently reported pests of hollies in the southeastern United States. Leaf spots and powdery mildew occasionally occur. Neutral to alkaline soils may cause chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) and even death.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common diseases and insect pests.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Ilex verticillata.