Species winterberry
Red fruit with dark-green leaves,

winterberry

Ilex verticillata 'Maryland Beauty'

Winterberry, also known as Ilex verticillata 'Maryland Beauty', is an attractive deciduous shrub. Its dense clusters of bright red berries provide food and habitat for birds. In autumn, its narrow leaves slowly turn from yellow-green to red. It’s an ideal addition to any wildlife-friendly garden, as the winter berries remain on the plant when its leaves fall off. It’s easy to care for and does best in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. Prune in the spring to keep it tidy and maintain a bushier plant. Brighten drab winter landscapes and please your avian friends with the beauty and fragrance of this delightful winterberry.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

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

Hardiness Zone:

3 - 9

Flowers:

Greenish-white Flowers In Spring

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Fruits:

red Fruits Ready In Fall

Edible:

Yes

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata 'Maryland Beauty') should be watered deeply and thoroughly on a weekly basis, as the deep roots of this plant species require a steady supply moisture to thrive. During the growing season, water Winterberry every 7-10 days, making sure to water at the base of the plant and to saturate the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches. In drought conditions, be sure to increase the frequency of watering to provide the plant with sufficient moisture. During the dormant season, reduce watering to every other week, as over-watering will leave the plant susceptible to root rot.

sunlight

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata 'Maryland Beauty') requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order to thrive. Hours of sunlight may vary depending upon geographic location, but plants typically require full sun or part shade in order to be healthy and grow vigorously. Winterberry should also be protected from extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, and should be kept away from harsh winds. A light to moderate amount of shade is recommended during extreme heat or periods of extended daylight. Winterberry is hardy in zones 3-9.

pruning

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata 'Maryland Beauty') is an excellent plant for adding color and texture to the landscape. Pruning of this plant should be done in late winter or early spring. Pruning should include removing dead or weak branches, as well as removing excess growth to maintain the plant's shape and size. Generally, only about 10-20% of the growth should be removed during pruning. It is important to avoid removing too much growth as this may detract from the overall fullness of the plant. Care should also be taken to avoid over pruning, as this can cause stress to the plant and may stunt growth.

Season

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

Harvesting of Ilex verticillata 'Maryland Beauty' (winterberry) typically begins in October and continues through December.

Starts Flowering

Winterberry typically starts flowering in June.

Hardiness Map