Berry Heavy® Winterberry

Ilex verticillata 'Spravy'

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.

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.