Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman'

Southern Gentleman Winterberry Holly

Ilex verticillata ‘Southern Gentleman’ is a deciduous winterberry holly valued for its upright rounded habit, glossy medium green foliage, and role as a reliable male pollinator for many female winterberry cultivars. It does not produce berries, but its flowering period matches many mid- to late-season female selections, making it widely used for pollination. Its branching also provides good winter structure after leaf drop.

Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Size: Width: 6–8 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: Provides shelter for birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for rain gardens, naturalized plantings, mixed shrub borders, and as a pollinator for larger female winterberries. It fits naturally into moist landscape areas.

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

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

6-8'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Fruit color

Crimson

Attracts

Butterflies

Soil

Acidic, Wet Area

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Mass Planting

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No