Berry Heavy Winterberry is a slow-growing upright deciduous shrub with a rounded habit and luscious dark green foliage that turns red-burgundy in fall. As a female cultivar, Berry Heavy produces heavy amounts of glossy bright red berries if pollinated that can persist into spring. Best planted in moist, slightly acidic well-drained soils. Hollies are dioecious and need both male and female plants to produce fruit. Mr. Poppins is a suggested pollinator.
Ilex verticillata is a native food source for several animals and pollinators, and acts as a host for various moths and the Henry's Elfin Butterfly. While the wildlife enjoys the berries they are toxic to humans.
Type: |
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Origins: |
Eastern N. America; north GA Native |
Height: |
6' - 8' |
Spread: |
6’ - 8' |
Spacing: |
7’ |
USDA Hardiness Zone: |
5 - 9 |
Culture: |
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Bloom Color: |
White |
Season of Interest: |
MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low Maintenance. Water regularly. Well-drained soils essential. Potential issues include mites, scale, leaf spot, rot, and mildew. Susceptible to leaf scorch or drop if not protected from afternoon sun in hotter climates.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Wildlife Gardens, Privacy Screen, Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.
COMPANION PLANTS: Azalea, Camellia, Hydrangea
IMAGE: Photos by Proven Winners, Berry Heavy® Winterberry Holly
*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.