{"product_id":"winterberry-holly-bush","title":"Winterberry Holly Bush","description":"\u003ch1 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003eIlex verticillata\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eThe Winterberry Holly is a stunning, deciduous native shrub that transforms the winter landscape with its unparalleled display of persistent, vibrant berries. Unlike its evergreen cousins, this shrub sheds its foliage in autumn, allowing its spectacular fruit display to take center stage against the stark, cold-weather backdrop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003eIn late spring, it produces modest, inconspicuous white flowers that are highly attractive to native pollinators. As the growing season progresses, the shrub develops dense, dark green foliage that serves as the perfect canvas for the main event: in late summer and autumn, thousands of brilliant, fire-engine-red berries emerge, clinging to the bare branches well into the heart of winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003eThe Ecological Footprint\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWildlife Sanctuary:\u003c\/b\u003e A vital winter food source for over 40 species of birds, including cedar waxwings, bluebirds, and robins, when other food supplies are scarce.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Berry Buffet:\u003c\/b\u003e Provides a crucial, high-energy fuel source for migrating and resident bird populations during the harshest months of the year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eErosion Champion:\u003c\/b\u003e Its fibrous, suckering root system excels at stabilizing moist soil, making it an excellent candidate for rain gardens or low-lying areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWetland Wonder:\u003c\/b\u003e Thrives in the heavy, damp soils of swamps, thickets, and woodland margins, bringing vibrant color to areas where other shrubs might struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eThe Honest Harvest (What to Expect)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Perks:\u003c\/b\u003e Unmatched winter visual impact, exceptionally high wildlife value, and incredible adaptability to varying moisture levels. It is remarkably hardy and brings a classic, festive look to the naturalized garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Caveats:\u003c\/b\u003e To achieve a fruit display, you must plant both a female and a male pollinator variety in proximity; they do not self-pollinate. It requires consistent moisture and will perform poorly in hot, dry, or drought-prone conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBotanical Name:\u003c\/b\u003e Ilex verticillata\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/b\u003e Winterberry, Michigan Holly, Black Alder\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMature Height:\u003c\/b\u003e 6-10 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMature Width:\u003c\/b\u003e 6-10 feet\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate (12-18 inches per year)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e 30+ years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,6,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eUSDA Zones:\u003c\/b\u003e 3-9\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eChill Hours:\u003c\/b\u003e *\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,8,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSun Preference:\u003c\/b\u003e Full sun to partial shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,9,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,9,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Moist to wet, acidic, organic-rich soils; tolerates heavy clay\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,10,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,10,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSoil pH:\u003c\/b\u003e Acidic (4.5–6.5)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,11,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,11,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWater Needs:\u003c\/b\u003e High; prefers consistently moist to boggy conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,12,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,12,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/b\u003e Inconspicuous white; late spring\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,13,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFruit Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Bright red, persistent drupes; autumn through winter\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,14,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,14,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePollinators:\u003c\/b\u003e *\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,15,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,15,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGrowth Habit:\u003c\/b\u003e Multi-stemmed, upright, rounded shrub\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,16,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,16,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSpacing:\u003c\/b\u003e 5-7 feet apart for a dense hedge or screen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,17,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,17,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLandscape Uses:\u003c\/b\u003e Rain gardens, wetland restoration, native hedge, winter interest gardens, wildlife habitat\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,18,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,18,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMaintenance Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Low; requires minimal pruning beyond removing dead wood\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003ePlanting \u0026amp; Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHydration:\u003c\/b\u003e Keep the root zone consistently moist, especially during the first year of establishment, as this shrub has low drought tolerance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSiting:\u003c\/b\u003e Plant in a location with abundant moisture and acidic soil, such as a low spot in the yard or near a water feature.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMulching:\u003c\/b\u003e Utilize a 3-inch layer of pine needles or acidic organic mulch to retain soil moisture and help maintain the preferred soil pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eEstablishment:\u003c\/b\u003e Water deeply and regularly throughout the first two growing seasons to ensure a strong, healthy root system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePruning:\u003c\/b\u003e Little pruning is necessary. If needed, prune immediately after flowering in early summer to maintain shape; avoid winter pruning to ensure you don't remove the upcoming season's fruit potential.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFertilization:\u003c\/b\u003e If growth is sluggish, apply an acid-loving plant fertilizer or organic compost in early spring before new growth begins.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"ATM Gardens","offers":[{"title":"1-2ft","offer_id":51661527023911,"sku":"ST72G1","price":41.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2-3ft","offer_id":51661527056679,"sku":"ST72G2","price":54.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/9094\/0711\/files\/WinterberryHolly2.jpg?v=1784330911","url":"https:\/\/atmgardens.com\/products\/winterberry-holly-bush","provider":"ATM Gardens","version":"1.0","type":"link"}