A winter shrub with dense clusters of bright red berries, green leaves, and brown branches growing in a frosty field with a blurred forest background. winter red holly bush

Winter Red Holly Bush

12-15"
$37.95
$37.95
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A winter shrub with dense clusters of bright red berries, green leaves, and brown branches growing in a frosty field with a blurred forest background. winter red holly bush
  • A winter shrub with dense clusters of bright red berries, green leaves, and brown branches growing in a frosty field with a blurred forest background. winter red holly bush
  • Close-up of a winter berry bush covered in clusters of bright red berries with yellow-brown leaves.
  • Close-up of bright red berries growing on a branch with green leaves in a natural outdoor setting.
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
  • A winter shrub with dense clusters of bright red berries, green leaves, and brown branches growing in a frosty field with a blurred forest background. winter red holly bush
  • Close-up of a winter berry bush covered in clusters of bright red berries with yellow-brown leaves.
  • Close-up of bright red berries growing on a branch with green leaves in a natural outdoor setting.
  • Plant size guide showing different plant heights with corresponding measurements.
Winter Red Holly Bush

Winter Red Holly Bush

$37.95
$37.95
Size12-15"

Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red'

The Winter Red Holly is a magnificent, female deciduous shrub celebrated for its spectacular display of dense, brilliant red berries that persist throughout the stark winter months. Unlike evergreen hollies, this native beauty drops its leaves in autumn, dramatically revealing a branching structure densely packed with vibrant crimson fruit that instantly brightens any dormant landscape.

In late spring, unassuming small white blossoms appear along the stems, quietly setting the stage for the autumn and winter show. By the time fall arrives, the foliage transitions to a subtle yellowish-green before dropping, leaving behind countless clusters of glowing berries that provide an essential feast for wildlife when all other food sources have vanished.

The Ecological Footprint

  • Winter Lifeline: Serves as a critical seasonal food source for over forty species of native birds and small mammals during the harshest winter months.

  • Pollinator Magnet: Produces subtle spring flowers that attract native bees, beneficial wasps, and various other pollinators looking for early-season nectar.

  • Erosion Control: Features a sturdy root system well-suited for stabilizing moist soil along stream banks, pond edges, and low-lying natural drainage areas.

  • Habitat Provider: Offers dense structural thickets that give songbirds a secure, protected environment for nesting and escaping predators.

The Honest Harvest (What to Expect)

  • The Perks: Unmatched winter color impact, exceptional hardiness, incredible tolerance for heavy wet soils, and high resistance to common plant diseases and deer pressure.

  • The Caveats: As a female selection, it requires a compatible male pollinator (such as 'Southern Gentleman') planted within close range to ensure heavy berry production. It will not produce fruit on its own.

Specifications

  • Botanical Name: Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red'

  • Common Names: Winterberry Holly, Winter Red Holly, Black Alder

  • Mature Height: 6-10 feet

  • Mature Width: 6-10 feet

  • Growth Rate: Slow to moderate (12-24 inches per year)

  • Lifespan: 30-50 years

  • USDA Zones: 3-9

  • Chill Hours: *

  • Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade (best berry production in full sun)

  • Soil Type: Moist, acidic, rich soils; highly tolerant of heavy clay and standing water

  • Soil pH: Strongly acidic to neutral (4.5-6.5)

  • Water Needs: High; prefers consistently moist, boggy, or poorly drained conditions

  • Flower Color: Small greenish-white; late spring

  • Fruit Type: Abundant bright red berries (drupes) on female plants; autumn through winter

  • Pollinators: * Southern Gentlemen, Jim Dandy

  • Growth Habit: Upright, rounded, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub

  • Spacing: 5-7 feet apart for a solid hedge or screen

  • Landscape Uses: Rain gardens, winter interest gardens, border plantings, native hedgerows, damp woodland edges

  • Maintenance Level: Low (occasional shaping or structural pruning in late winter)

Planting & Care Guide

  • Hydration: Water deeply and regularly right after planting, ensuring the soil remains consistently damp and never dries out completely during the first growing season.

  • Siting: Select a location with full sun or light shade and moist, organically rich soil. It excels in low spots or rain gardens where other plants might struggle with excess water.

  • Mulching: Spread a 3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as shredded pine bark, around the base to help retain soil moisture and naturally maintain the soil acidity it prefers.

  • Establishment: Monitor moisture levels closely during dry spells. Once established, it handles seasonal flooding effortlessly but needs supplemental watering during extended summer droughts.

  • Pruning: Prune in late winter before new growth emerges if you need to shape the plant or remove any dead wood. Keep in mind that heavy pruning will temporarily reduce the next season's berry crop.

  • Fertilization: Feed in early spring with an acid-loving slow-release fertilizer if your native soil lacks organic fertility, though a rich layer of compost is usually more than sufficient.

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