Species winterberry Guide
clusters of glossy, wine-red berries with toothed, green, elliptic leaves, and brown stems

winterberry

Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman'

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Division,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

red Fruits Ready In

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

watering

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman') should be watered deeply and regularly for best growth. During the first year of planting, water once or twice a week so that the soil is kept constantly moist. During the second year, water deeply once or twice a month. In the fall and winter months, water less frequently, only deeply when the top inch of soil is dry. In hot and dry summer months, water more often. If necessary, water deeply every 7-10 days.

sunlight

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman') is an evergreen shrub that needs full sun to partial shade to thrive. To get the best results, it should be exposed to direct sunshine for a minimum of 6 hours each day. The winterberry is very tolerant of harsh conditions and can even tolerate light shade in regions with hot summers. In regions with cooler summers, full sun exposure is ideal. Keep in mind that too much sun can cause foliage damage. If planted in a spot with too much sun exposure, it may require more frequent watering.

pruning

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman') should be pruned in late winter to early spring, just before the new growth appears. Pruning should be minimal, as this plant is not particularly fussy. Focus on removing the dead and overgrown wood, along with any damaged or crossed branches. remove up to 1/3 of the wood in any 1 pruning session, and avoid pruning at other times of the year.