Winterberry Holly

About this plant

Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red' is a show-stopping deciduous holly celebrated for its brilliant, long-lasting red berries. Unlike evergreen hollies, 'Winter Red' drops its leaves in autumn, revealing a breathtaking display of berries that cling to the branches throughout the winter, providing unparalleled color when the landscape is otherwise dormant. It's a true beacon of color in the colder months, making it an essential addition for creating winter visual appeal. This cultivar is female and requires a male pollinator, such as 'Southern Gentleman' or 'Apollo', to produce berries. Plant one male for every 5-10 female 'Winter Red' plants to ensure optimal fruit production. Its upright, rounded form makes it suitable for mass plantings, hedges, or as a striking specimen plant, especially in areas where its winter display can be fully appreciated. 'Winter Red' is an excellent choice for attracting birds, which feast on the berries when other food sources are scarce. Its adaptability to various soil conditions and its hardiness make it a low-maintenance yet high-impact plant for any garden.

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 (e.g., 'Southern Gentleman' or 'Apollo') for fruit set. Plant one male for every 5-10 female plants. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges to maintain shape and size. Can be cut back hard for rejuvenation.

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.