Description:

This slow-growing deciduous holly is native to eastern North America. The multi-stemmed, rounded clumps can often become quite dense with twigs. There is some tendency for this shrub to sucker.

Leaves:

Dark green leaves cover this shrub and will remain green until leaf-drop in the fall.

Flowers:

Inconspicuous male and female flowers are formed on separate plants, and only the females will produce the attractive red berries in the fall. Depending on demand from birds, the berries can last into January.

Height:

Grows 6-15 feet tall and equally wide.

Site Requirements:

Native to swampy areas and therefore suitable for wet areas in the landscape. Prefers acidic soils with good organic matter content and may develop chlorosis in too high pH. Will tolerate partial shade, but the fruit set is best in full sun. I. verticillata is the hardiest of the deciduous hollies--to zone 3.

Sustainable Features:

No serious pest problems. May exhibit some leaf spots or powdery mildew but not enough to require treatment. Slow-growing.

Landscape Use:

Females are great for mass effect in winter, but males must also be planted to obtain fruit set. Males and females are both good for shrub borders and wet areas.

Cultivars:

The cultivars are extensive, and only a few are named here. Many of the introductions come from Martha's Vineyard or Simpson Nursery.

'Red Sprite' / 'Nana' / 'Compacta' - compact, 3-5 feet, larger fruit

'Winter Red'- has all of the above qualities in a stronger version

'Winter Gold'- lighter green leaves, pinkish orange fruit, only hardy to zone 4

'Chrysocarpa'- yellow, less abundant fruits, less interest from birds, earlier leaf-drop, found in the wild in MA

Related Sustainable Species:

Ilex verticillata x flex serrate hybrids- including the male 'Apollo' and the female 'Sparkleberry'

Propagation Notes:

Softwood cuttings root readily in six to eight weeks. Take cuttings in June or July, use IBA quick dip and put under mist. Seed propagation, even stratified, is difficult and shows a low germination rate. Best transplanted as ball and burlap material. The growth rate in young plants can sometimes be increased with fertilizer and water applications.

Sources:

Available from a number of Rhode Island nurseries and garden centers.