The Garden Bug: Winterberry

By Brenda Weaver

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a shrub native to eastern North America. It produces bright red berries that persist through winter and into spring. It thrives best in wetland areas with acidic soil, but will tolerate some other environments as long as its moisture needs are met and the soil is not too alkaline.

With the winterberry there are separate male and female plants. Because only fertilized female plants will produce a wonderful display of berries, there must be at least one male winterberry plant for every 6-10 female shrubs in the area to allow for cross-pollination.

Source: www.thespruce.com