The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman' is in September and October.
winterberry
Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman'
Winterberry (Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman') is an evergreen shrub that produces glossy, dark green foliage and is a member of the holly family. It is noted for the abundance of showy red berries it produces in winter months. Growing up to 10 feet in height and width, the densely crowded branches of this shrub are attractive all year round. It is particularly suited to wet environments, making it popular for use in rain gardens. Winterberry is prolific self-pollinator, growing best in full sun, and is deer and rabbit resistant. Plant near a water garden or along a wetland margin for stunning winter displays.
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.
Season
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit
Starts Flowering
Winterberry typically starts flowering in June.
