Ilex Verticillata Berry Poppins®

Product Details

Gardeners who wish to grow Winterberry shrubs but have been deterred by their size will be delighted to discover this compact 3–4′ variety. Ilex verticillata Berry Poppins® produces an abundance of bright red berries that appear in autumn, and remain on the branches well into winter adding marvelous color to the landscape. Requires a male pollinator, and we recommend Ilex verticillata Mr. Poppins® (Item #63403). A Proven Winners® variety. ‘FarrowBPop’ PP 25,835

Like most Hollies, Ilex verticillata has separate male and female plants. While only female plants can produce berries, male plants are necessary to provide pollen for their flowers. Gardeners usually give female plants a prominent spot and tuck the male plants in an out-of-the-way corner. 

The genus Ilex includes some 350 species, best known for its spiny, evergreen forms with red berries. It’s much harder to find selections of our deciduous, native species, I. verticillata. In the wild, it is often found in wet soil, but it also grows well in average soil and tolerates a fair measure of drought once established.

For more information on Ilex care, click Growing Guide.