Winter Red Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata ‘Winter Red’) is a beautiful native deciduous shrub prized for its abundant brilliant red berries, substantial upright growth habit, and outstanding winter interest. This vigorous selection of Winterberry Holly produces impressive clusters of bright red berries that decorate its bare branches throughout fall and winter, creating a spectacular display when much of the landscape has gone dormant.
In late spring to early summer, Winter Red produces small greenish-white flowers along its branches. Although relatively inconspicuous, these flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial pollinators. When pollinated by a compatible male Winterberry Holly, the flowers develop into abundant clusters of vibrant red berries that mature in autumn.
Throughout spring and summer, Winter Red maintains attractive green foliage and a dense, upright-rounded growth habit. As temperatures cool in fall, the leaves may develop yellow tones before dropping, revealing the brilliant red berries beneath. These colorful fruits often persist well into winter, creating beautiful contrast against snow, evergreen shrubs, and the muted colors of the dormant landscape.
Winter Red is particularly valuable for larger residential properties, natural privacy screens, estate-style gardens, and mixed shrub borders. Its substantial mature size makes it an excellent background shrub, informal deciduous hedge, or mass planting where dramatic winter color is desired.
As a cultivar of a species native to eastern North America, Winter Red is especially well suited for native gardens, woodland edges, rain gardens, and wetland plantings. Its excellent tolerance of moist and periodically saturated soil makes it a dependable choice for low-lying landscape areas where many traditional ornamental shrubs struggle.
More About Winter Red Winterberry Holly
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Native-Species Deciduous Shrub
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Large, Upright-Rounded Growth Habit
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Abundant Brilliant Red Winter Berries
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Excellent Fall and Winter Interest
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Green Summer Foliage
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Yellow Fall Foliage
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Small Greenish-White Spring Flowers
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Pollinator Friendly
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Attracts Bees and Beneficial Insects
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Female Cultivar
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Requires Compatible Male Pollinator for Berries
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Provides Winter Food for Birds
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Excellent Wet Soil Tolerance
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Suitable for Rain Gardens and Wetland Edges
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Prefers Acidic Soil
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Cold Hardy
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Low Maintenance Once Established
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Excellent for Mass Plantings
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Natural Privacy Screen
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Informal Hedge, Mixed Shrub Border, Native Garden, Specimen
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Outstanding Four-Season Landscape Interest
Height: 6–8 Feet
Spread: 6–8 Feet
Hardiness Zone: 3–9
Characteristics
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Sun Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Shade
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Season of Interest: Fall, Winter
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Soil Moisture: Average to Wet; Tolerates Seasonally Saturated Soil
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Attributes: Native-Species Cultivar, Deciduous, Winter Berries, Wetland Tolerant, Pollinator Friendly, Bird Friendly
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Foliage Color: Green; Yellow in Fall
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Flower Color: Greenish-White
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Berry Color: Bright Red
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Flower Fragrance: Not Significant
Care & Maintenance Tips
Planting:
Plant in full sun to partial shade in acidic, moisture-retentive soil. Winter Red performs particularly well in consistently moist locations, including rain gardens, low-lying landscape areas, and wetland edges.
Although adaptable to average garden soils, consistent moisture is beneficial for vigorous growth and reliable berry production.
For informal hedges or mass plantings, space plants approximately 5–7 feet apart, depending on the desired density and available growing space.
Watering:
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Winter Red prefers consistently moist soil and tolerates periods of seasonal saturation.
Once established, it generally requires little supplemental watering in naturally moist locations. Plants growing in drier soils should receive additional water during extended periods without rainfall.
Fertilizing:
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving shrubs in early spring if needed. Incorporating compost or organic matter can help improve soil structure and moisture retention.
Avoid excessive fertilization and unnecessary lime applications, as Winterberry Holly prefers acidic soil.
Pruning:
Winter Red naturally develops an attractive upright-rounded growth habit and generally requires minimal pruning.
If shaping is necessary, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Keep in mind that pruning at this time will remove some of the branches that would otherwise produce flowers and berries.
Avoid excessive shearing, which can reduce berry production and diminish the shrub's naturally attractive form.
Winter Care:
Winter Red is exceptionally cold hardy and naturally loses its foliage each fall. Its bright red berries provide outstanding winter interest and may persist for several months, depending on weather conditions and bird activity.
Established plants generally require little winter protection.
Pest Prevention:
Monitor periodically for leaf spot, scale insects, and other common holly pests. Maintain adequate soil moisture and good air circulation to support healthy growth.
Pollination Requirements:
Winter Red is a female cultivar and requires a compatible male Winterberry Holly for reliable berry production. Southern Gentleman Winterberry Holly is a commonly recommended pollinator because its flowering period overlaps with Winter Red.
Plant a compatible male nearby, ideally within approximately 50 feet, to encourage dependable pollination. One healthy male plant can generally pollinate several female Winterberry Hollies.
