Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’, commonly known as Winter Red Winterberry, is a standout cultivar of the native deciduous holly, known for its heavy display of bright red berries that persist through winter. This upright shrub typically grows 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for hedges, naturalized borders, rain gardens, and wildlife plantings. Tiny white flowers bloom in late spring and give way to showy fruit in fall—as long as a compatible male pollinator such as ‘Southern Gentleman’ is planted nearby. With strong seasonal color and habitat value, ‘Winter Red’ is a favorite for native-focused landscapes.

Why choose ‘Winter Red’ Winterberry:

• Brilliant berries: Dense clusters of red berries brighten fall and winter landscapes

• Wildlife-friendly: Provides vital winter food and dense cover for birds

• Native cultivar: Maintains the ecological value of the species in a garden-ready form

Cultivating tips:

• Sun exposure: Prefers full sun to part shade

• Soil needs: Moist, acidic, well-drained to wet soils; tolerant of clay

• Maintenance: Low-maintenance; prune after fruiting if needed, and plant with a male pollinator

Designs for your garden:

• Rain gardens: Thrives in damp or seasonally wet soils

• Native hedgerows: Great for massing or screening with four-season interest

• Wildlife plantings: Attracts songbirds and supports native food webs

Ecological benefits:

• Native species: Supports native insects and birds, especially in winter

• Bird-friendly: Late-season fruit source when food is scarce

• Adaptable and resilient: Suitable for a wide range of conditions