Ilex Verticillata Winter Gold

Winter Gold Winterberry

Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Gold’ is a deciduous shrub valued for its unusual berries that mature from pinkish-orange to soft golden-orange after leaf drop in fall and winter. This winterberry holly has medium green foliage through the growing season, but its distinctive fruit color becomes the main ornamental feature in winter, offering a softer alternative to red-fruited selections.

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: Berries attract birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for rain gardens, naturalized plantings, mixed shrub borders, and winter landscapes where unusual berry color provides seasonal contrast. 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 pollinator such as Southern Gentleman® is required nearby for reliable berry production.

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

6-8'

Width

6-8'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fruit color

Sunglow

Soil

Acidic, Wet Area

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Mass Planting

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No