Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red'

Winter Red Winterberry Holly

Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’ is a deciduous shrub valued for its abundant bright red berries that densely line the branches after leaf drop in fall and persist well into winter. This winterberry holly has medium green foliage through the growing season, but its strongest ornamental display occurs after leaves fall, when the vivid berries become highly visible against bare stems. It is one of the most widely planted winterberry selections for winter color.

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 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 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, Part shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Fruit color

Crimson

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Acidic, Wet Area

Landscape use

Foundation

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No