Species possumhaw
red, dewy, glossy berries along yellow-pale stems

possumhaw

Ilex decidua 'Warren's Red'

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua 'Warren's Red') is an evergreen shrub native to the Southeastern United States. This fast-growing, deciduous shrub can reach up to 10 feet tall and wide. It has small dark green, glossy leaves that fade to a pinkish-red color in the fall. In the spring, small white flowers bloom, followed by small black berries that are loved by birds and mammals. Possumhaw is tolerant of poor soil conditions, and it can thrive with full sun to part shade. It also provides a burst of seasonal color with its bright red leaves.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

White Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,red

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua 'Warren's Red') should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. It is best to water deeply, providing enough water to moisten the entire root zone and allow some excess to drain out. During the summer months, the plant may need to be watered every 5-7 days; however, during winter months, the watering frequency should be decreased to around every 10-14 days. If the soil has stayed dry for extended periods of time, then a deep watering session of up to 1-2 inches is recommended. Make sure to adjust the frequency of watering according to the soil condition and local climate.

sunlight

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua 'Warren's Red') will generally do best with about 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Early morning to mid-afternoon is the ideal time frame for sunlight exposure. Too much heat during the peak hours of the day can be detrimental to the plant and cause foliage to burn. Too little sunlight can cause a lack of flowering and fruit production. This sunrise-to-sunset period of sun can provide bright indirect light for the remainder of the day to sustain and nurture the Possumhaw. Providing the plant with enough climate-controlled sunlight during the day will keep it looking healthy and producing beautiful flowers and attractive fruits.

pruning

Pruning for possumhaw (Ilex decidua 'Warren's Red') should be done regularly to maintain the desired shape and reduce diseases and pests. Pruning should take place in late winter or early spring, when the plant is dormant. Generally, only dead or broken branches should be removed, with light pruning of young twigs and light thinning of interior branches. Removal of more than 1-third of the existing canopy in a single season is not recommended, as this can cause shock to the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of Ilex decidua 'Warren's Red' typically begins in October and continues through December.

Starts Flowering

Ilex decidua 'Warren's Red' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in April or May.

Hardiness Map