Winterberry Holly

All About Winterberry Holly:

Scientific Nomenclature: Ilex verticillata

Common Names: winterberry holly, winterberry, coral berry, fever bush

Mature Height: 6–9 feet

Mature Spread: 6–9 feet

Growth Rate: Slow

Attracts Wildlife: Birds, butterflies, pollinators and small mammals

Messiness: Drops leaves, flowers and fruit

Shape: Oval, round, multi-stemmed

Native to Kentucky: Yes

Preferred Soils: Winterberry holly prefers moist, well-drained acidic (<6.0pH) loam soils. It is tolerant of clay and sand as well as being tolerant of occasionally wet sites. It is intolerant of dry soils and may even drop its fruit set early if the site it’s planted in becomes too dry.

Screening: Can be planted as a privacy hedge if pruned and maintained in that form.

Drought Tolerance: Though resistant to fire, it is not tolerant of drought.

Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous.

Pruning: Winterberry holly does not require pruning other than the removal of deadwood or damaged branches when planted naturally in a yard. Prune winterberry holly to maintain its appearance if planted and used as a hedge or privacy screening.

Climate Quick Facts:

Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one winterberry holly will:

  • Sequester ~319 pounds of CO2.
  • Reduce stormwater runoff by 254 gallons.

Contact