Ilex verticillata 'Berry Heavy'

Berry Heavy Winterberry Holly

Ilex verticillata ‘Berry Heavy’ is a deciduous shrub valued for its exceptionally heavy crop of bright red berries that densely line the stems after leaf drop in fall and winter. This winterberry holly has medium green foliage through the growing season, but its strongest ornamental effect comes after the leaves fall, when the vivid fruit becomes highly visible. The dense berry set makes it one of the most striking winter fruiting hollies.

Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Size: Width: 5–7 ft · Height: 6–8 ft
USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Form: Upright, rounded

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Moist to wet, acidic soil

Water: Medium to high; prefers consistent moisture

Wildlife: Berries attract birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for rain gardens, naturalized plantings, mixed shrub borders, and winter landscapes where bright fruit provides strong seasonal color. It performs especially well in moist sites.

Care:
Plant in moist acidic soil and avoid prolonged drought. Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed. A male winterberry such as Mr. Poppins® is required nearby for reliable berry production.

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

6-8'

Width

5'-7'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Acidic, Average, Wet Area

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No