Ilex verticillata 'Jim Dandy'

Jim Dandy Winterberry Holly

Ilex verticillata ‘Jim Dandy’ is a deciduous winterberry holly valued for its compact habit, glossy medium green foliage, and role as an early-flowering male pollinator for female winterberry cultivars. It does not produce berries, but its bloom timing makes it especially effective for pollinating early female selections such as Red Sprite®. Its fine branching also provides good winter structure.

Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Size: Width: 4–6 ft · Height: 3–6 ft
USDA Zones: 3a–9b

Form: Compact, rounded

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Moist to wet, acidic soil

Water: Medium to high; prefers consistent moisture

Wildlife: Provides shelter for birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for rain gardens, naturalized plantings, mixed shrub borders, and as a pollinator for early female winterberries. Its compact size fits well into smaller landscapes.

Care:
Plant in moist acidic soil and avoid prolonged drought. Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed. Place near early-blooming female winterberry cultivars for reliable pollination.

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

3-6'

Width

4-6'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Average, Moist well-drained, Wet Area

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Compact, Rounded

Bark

Smooth

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No