Winterberry Holly

About this plant

Ilex verticillata 'Color Choice Berry Heavy Gold' is a striking deciduous holly cherished for its abundant, persistent golden berries that cling to bare branches through winter. Unlike evergreen hollies, this variety sheds its leaves in fall, revealing a spectacular display of bright fruit that provides crucial winter interest and sustenance for wildlife. Ideal for mass plantings, foundation plantings, or as a vibrant specimen, 'Berry Heavy Gold' thrives in a variety of conditions. Its upright, rounded form provides a neat appearance in the landscape, even when not laden with berries. Proudly selected by A Cut Above for its exceptional berry production and reliable performance, this Winterberry Holly cultivar is a must-have for dazzling winter gardens.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Requires a male pollinator (such as Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman' or 'Mr. Poppins') planted within 50 feet for optimal berry production. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove any dead or crossing branches.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.