Winterberry Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold'

Winterberry, is a member of the Aquifoliaceae (holly) family and is native to Eastern North America. The ‘Winter Gold’ cultivar is a slow-growing, rounded, woody, multi-stemmed, perennial, deciduous shrub that will reach a height and width of 5 to 8 feet. It is distinguished by a dense, heavy fruiting of orange-yellow berries that appear in late summer and last through winter.  

‘Winter Gold’ prefers full sun with some afternoon shade and moist to wet soils. It is adaptable to a range of soil textures but all need to have a neutral to acidic pH. Flowers will appear on new growth, thus if pruning to shape, do it in early spring just before new growth appears. 

Winterberry is dioecious, meaning individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if flowers, berries, and seed are desired. “Winter Gold’ is a late-blooming, female plant. One male winterberry, such as the late-blooming cultivar ‘Southern Gentleman’, is necessary for every 6 to10 female plants. 

‘Winter Gold' provides year-round interest and makes an excellent hedge or addition to a rain or winter garden. Because it tolerates wet soils, it does well in pond margins, stream beds, or low lying areas of the yard. Mass planted or in small groups it is used in shrub borders or foundation plantings. The foliage is a food source for wildlife including pollinators, birds, and rabbits. It is seldom damaged by deer. 

Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating.

Quick ID Hints:

• Deciduous shrubby holly with persistent orange berries.
• Berry has a terminal black dot, not a 'fly'.
• Leaves are serrated and veins are pubescent underneath.
• Leaf veins are impressed. 

Insects, Diseases, and 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. Plants will show a decline in alkaline soils.

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.