Ilex verticillata
The red berry-like clusters of the Winterberry shrub (Ilex verticillata) provide a striking contrast to the snowy winter landscape. These clusters (known as drupes) ripen in the fall and remain through the winter, adding colour and attracting birds to your garden. They can also be cut and displayed indoors for long-lasting colour.
Winterberry shrubs thrive in full to part-sun and acidic moist-wet soils, growing approximately 1.5-2.5 m tall in most urban areas. Avoid planting in alkaline soil as this can stunt plant growth and cause the leaves to turn yellow (chlorosis). Tolerant of foot traffic, drought and salt, Winterberry can be grouped and grown near driveways, sidewalks or entrances to create a stunning winter welcome. Also try planting near water, low-lying areas or in raingardens.
These attractive native shrubs are dioecious, meaning they are either male or female, and pollination between them is necessary for the females to produce their beautiful red fruit. Plant a male shrub within 15 m (50 ft) of any females so pollinators can fertilize the females. You can pair up to five or six female shrubs with one male planted nearby.
For the best results, purchase larger plants if possible. Winterberry are slow growers but perform well when transplanted. Plant in front of native evergreens for a striking winter combination, or try grouping with Silky Dogwood, Eastern Ninebark, Hardhack Spiraea or Meadowsweet. In moist part-shade, pair with ferns such as Cinnamon Fern, Sensitive Fern or Spinulose Wood Fern.