Deciduous shrubs – Winterberry

Winterberry

Botanical name: Ilex verticillata

Beginner friendly?: no 

Average size at maturity: 3-15 ft in height with a 6-10 ft spread 

Bloom time: late spring-early summer 

Hardy zone: zones 8 and 9 

Flower color: white 

Foliage color: green/yellow

Growth rate: grows 6-12 inches per year

Pruning instructions: prune in the spring season to promote growth and minimize pest damage 

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings 

Landscape use: wet gardens, borders, foundation planting, wildlife garden

Light needs: 6 hours of sun per day 

Special features: attracts pollinators, deer resistant, salt tolerant, heat tolerant, likes wet soil, bright red (non-edible) berries 

Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist, never letting the soil completely dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a tree and shrub plant food once a month in the spring from march throughout may 

Best time to plant: spring or fall 

Best type of soil: loam or sand 

Companion plants: daffodils, fountain grass, red-twig dogwood, astilbe

Toxicity level: slightly toxic for humans and pets if ingested

Invasive species: no