Deciduous holly · Winter interest · Wildlife habitat
Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to part shade; best flowering and berry production in full sun
Soil: Moist to wet, acidic soil, adapts well to average
Plant details
Size: ~4–12 ft tall × 6–12 ft wide
Blooms: Late spring
Fruit: Bright red berries on pollinated female plants
Fall color: yellow, gold, and brown
Deer resistance: Moderate
Why we love it
- As its leaves fall, vivid red berries take center stage, bringing brilliant color to the winter garden
- A versatile choice for suburban landscapes, use it as a foundation shrub, grow it as part of a hedge, or plant it in a low, wet area of the garden
Why wildlife loves it
- Berries are a valuable food source for birds in winter
- Serves as a larval host plant for several moths, including the Pawpaw Sphinx
- Spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, flies, and other small pollinators
- Dense, multi-stemmed growth provides shelter and nesting habitat for birds
Fun to see
Winterberry can hold its fruit for months, until a hungry flock of robins or cedar waxwings discovers it. Once they arrive, they may strip a berry-covered shrub nearly bare in a single day.
A note about berries
Winterberry has separate male and female plants, and only pollinated female plants produce berries. Because these are young plants, their sex cannot yet be identified. Plants are sold unsexed, so berry production cannot be guaranteed.
Planting several increases the likelihood of receiving both male and female plants. Once mature, one compatible male can pollinate up to 10 female plants growing within approximately 50 feet.
What to expect at pickup
Ground covers and ferns are sold as young, well rooted plugs. Shrubs are sold in 1 gallon containers.
Because this is a fall collection, some plants may have limited foliage or may be beginning to enter dormancy at pickup. This is a normal seasonal change. Their roots are healthy and ready to establish after planting.
Before you order
All orders are for pickup at the Montclair Farmers Market.
• Choose your pickup Saturday at checkout
• Orders must be picked up on that date
• Plants are living and may vary in appearance
• All sales are final once plants are picked up
• Please check your plants at pickup — we can only address issues at that time
