Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red'

'Winter Red' or winterberry is a cultivar deciduous shrub in the Aquifoliaceae (holly) family that grows 6-8 feet tall and wide and is a heavy berry producer when a male plant is nearby. A good male plant to pair it with is 'Southern Gentleman' This suckering shrub has a rounded form and provides year-round interest. It is especially attractive in winter as the leaves will drop leaving bright red berries which can persist through winter. 

'Winter Red' prefers moist to wet organic-rich acidic soil in sun to part shade but is adaptable to to clay soil types. It will tolerate being planted in low areas, along streams and ponds. It can also be used as a hedge, in a rain garden or as a specimen.

Flowers appear on new growth, thus if pruning this shrub to shape, do it in early spring before new growth appears.

Fire Risk: This plant has a low flammability rating.

Quick ID Hints:

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

Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems:   No serious problems.  Leaf spots and powdery mildew occasionally occur. Neutral to alkaline soils may cause chlorosis (yellowing of leaves) and even death.  It may abort fruit set in dry soil.

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

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.

More information on Ilex verticillata.