Proven Winners Winterberry True 'Mr. Poppins'

About this plant

Meet 'Mr. Poppins', the indispensable gentleman of the winterberry family. This compact, male Ilex verticillata ensures that your female winterberry plants, such as 'Berry Heavy'® or 'Berry Nice'®, produce their signature vibrant red berries that brighten the winter landscape and attract birds. Unlike their berry-producing counterparts, 'Mr. Poppins' is not grown for its fruit, but for its vital role in pollination. Its unassuming nature allows it to be discreetly tucked into the landscape while still performing its important task. Its small stature makes it perfect for smaller gardens or even container plantings. Easy to grow and maintain, 'Mr. Poppins' is a deciduous shrub that will shed its leaves in autumn, preparing for its essential springtime duty. Plant one 'Mr. Poppins' for every five to ten female winterberry plants for optimal berry production.

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

Best planted in average, moist to wet, well-drained, acidic soil. Prune after flowering to maintain size and shape, or as needed to remove dead or damaged branches. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer if desired.

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.