Winterberry Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red' (f)
ABOUT
The plant known as Winter Red is a female cultivar of the commonly called Winterberry. It is a deciduous shrub, which means it loses its leaves in the fall, revealing a striking display of bright red berries along its branches. The leaves of Winterberry are a glossy, dark green color and have a slight wave to the edges, giving a textured appearance. Come autumn, the foliage turns a vibrant yellow, contrasting beautifully with the red berries before dropping for the winter. The berries, the most notable feature of the 'Winter Red' cultivar, are abundant and large, making this plant particularly showy. These berries typically persist through the winter, adding color to otherwise barren landscapes. Female plants like this one need a male pollinator nearby to set fruit. Winter Red's branches are densely packed, giving the shrub a full and bushy appearance. It presents a rounded form and sends out new growth from the base. The bark of mature stems is smooth and gray-brown. It's important to note the visual appeal of 'Winter Red' is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves as an important food source for birds during the cold months, adding both ecological value and winter interest to gardens where it is planted.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Aquifoliaceae
Synonyms
Winter Red Winterberry, Winter Red Holly
Common names
Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red'.
ToxicityTo humans
Winterberry is considered to have a level of toxicity to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant, particularly the berries, can lead to various symptoms, which might include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of the plant and to keep it out of reach of children who might be attracted to its bright red berries.
To pets
Winterberry is also toxic to pets, and the ingestion of the plant, especially the berries, can cause similar symptoms as in humans. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, and depression. If a pet ingests any part of this plant, it is advisable to seek veterinary care promptly.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-10 feet [1.8-3 meters]
Spread
6-10 feet [1.8-3 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red', commonly known as Winterberry, is highly prized for its bright red berries that provide vivid color in the winter landscape.
- Wildlife Habitat: The berries are a valuable food source for birds, especially in the winter when other resources are scarce.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Winterberry requires minimal care, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Erosion Control: The dense root system can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially in wet areas.
- Adaptable: It is tolerant of a variety of soil conditions, including wet and acidic soils, which makes it versatile for different garden settings.
- Seasonal Interest: Winterberry provides year-round interest with flowers in spring, green foliage in summer, and fruit and bare stems in the fall and winter.
- Pollinator Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
- Privacy and Screening: It can be used as a hedge or natural screen, providing privacy to a yard or garden.
- Cultural Significance: Winterberry is often used in winter holiday decorations, wreaths, and floral arrangements, adding cultural value during the festive season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ink Making: The berries of Winterberry can be used to make a natural dye or ink, which is desirable for artists who value traditional and organic materials in their work.
- Bird Sanctuary: Planting Winterberry in your garden can create a habitat for birds, especially in winter when food is scarce and the vibrant red berries provide much-needed nourishment.
- Natural Fencing: Winterberry shrubs can be planted in a row to form a decorative and dense hedge that provides privacy and acts as a windbreak during harsh weather.
- Photography Backdrop: The bright red berries and lush green foliage of Winterberry make it an excellent natural backdrop for outdoor photography sessions.
- Craft Materials: The branches and berries can be harvested and used to create wreaths, centerpieces, and other crafts, particularly festive decorations around the holiday season.
- Soil Stabilization: Winterberry's extensive root system can help prevent soil erosion along riverbanks or sloped areas of the landscape.
- Winter Interest: Planting Winterberry can provide a splash of color during the drab winter months, keeping the garden visually appealing year-round.
- Thematic Gardening: Winterberry can be included in a ‘bird garden’ theme that focuses on attracting and supporting bird life, providing both food and shelter.
- Educational Tool: Winterberry provides an opportunity for educational institutions to teach students about native plant species, their role in local ecosystems, and seasonal changes.
- Supporting Pollinators: While Winterberry is primarily known for its berries, the small white flowers it produces are beneficial to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Winterberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Winterberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Survival and Adaptability: Commonly known as Winterberry, the Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red' retains its bright red berries during autumn and winter, symbolizing the ability to endure and thrive in harsh conditions.
- Protection: Like many holly plants, Winterberry is often associated with protection due to its thorny leaves, serving as a natural deterrent to negative forces and energy.
- Good Fortune: The bright red berries of Winterberry are also symbolically linked to good fortune and are believed to bring prosperity and joy to homes during the winter season.
WaterWinterberry Holly requires consistent moisture, so it is important to water it regularly. During the growing season, water the plant at least once a week with about 1 to 2 gallons of water, ensuring the soil is thoroughly moistened but not waterlogged. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering frequency to twice a week. In winter, reduce watering but do not allow the soil to completely dry out. Always check the soil moisture level a few inches deep; if it feels dry, it's time to water.
LightWinterberry Holly thrives in full sun to partial shade. The plant performs best when it receives at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, with some afternoon shade in hot climates being beneficial. For optimal berry production and foliage health, choose a location where the plant will be exposed to ample light throughout the growing season.
TemperatureWinterberry Holly is hardy and can withstand a wide temperature range. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around -40 degrees Fahrenheit and is comfortable up to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures for this plant are between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It is well-suited to temperate climates and does not require any special temperature considerations once established.
PruningPruning Winterberry Holly is mainly done to shape the plant and encourage healthy growth. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Remove any dead or damaged branches and thin overcrowded areas to allow light and air circulation. Pruning is typically done every 2 to 3 years, or as needed, to maintain the desired shape and size. The best time for pruning is when the plant is dormant, to minimize stress on the Winterberry Holly.
CleaningAs needed
SoilWinterberry Holly 'Winter Red' prefers moist, well-drained acidic soil with a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. A mix of peat, sand, and garden loam is ideal for ensuring proper drainage and acidity.
RepottingWinterberry holly 'Winter Red' does not require frequent repotting and can typically be repotted every 3 to 5 years, or when it outgrows its current container.
Humidity & MistingWinterberry Holly 'Winter Red' is adaptable to a range of humidity levels but thrives in moderate to high humidity environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, cool temps, and moist acidic soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sun or partial shade, keep soil moist.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleIlex verticillata 'Winter Red', commonly known as the Winter Red winterberry, starts its life as a seed which, when sown in spring or fall, germinates in moist, acidic soil. After germination, it proceeds to the seedling stage, developing a characteristic green foliage throughout spring and summer. This holly plant then enters a vegetative state where it experiences considerable growth, establishing a strong root system and woody branches. Once mature, the Winter Red winterberry becomes capable of flowering; small white flowers emerge in late spring to early summer, which are pollinated mainly by insects. Following pollination, the female plants bear the signature bright red berries in late summer to fall, which persist into winter and provide striking visual interest. Throughout its lifecycle, this deciduous shrub may undergo periods of dormancy during cold winters, after which it resumes growth in the spring, completing its perennial cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Winter-Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red') is by softwood cuttings taken in late spring to early summer when new growth is still tender. To propagate, a four to six-inch cutting from a healthy, disease-free branch is taken, making sure at least two to three sets of leaves are present. The bottom set of leaves is removed, and the cut end of the stem is dipped into a rooting hormone to enhance development before planting into a pot with well-draining soil. The pot is then kept in a warm, humid environment, often covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity, and the soil is kept consistently moist. Roots typically develop within several weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to outdoor conditions before transplanting into the garden.
