25 Winterberry Holly Seeds - Ilex verticillata Tree Seeds for Planting

Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) is a deciduous holly native to eastern North America, prized for its brilliant display of bright red berries that persist into winter after the leaves drop. This versatile shrub or small tree adds striking seasonal color to landscapes, rain gardens, and naturalized areas, and its berries are a valuable food source for birds.

Winterberry Holly is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. To produce berries, both a female and a male plant are needed for pollination. These seeds offer an opportunity to grow this attractive native holly from scratch, whether for wildlife plantings, hedgerows, or ornamental borders.

Plant Features

• Deciduous holly with bright red berries that persist through winter
• Native to eastern North America and adaptable to wet soils
• Berries provide food for birds and wildlife
• Excellent for rain gardens, hedges, and naturalized landscapes
• Requires both male and female plants for berry production

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Ilex verticillata
• Plant Type: Deciduous shrub or small tree
• Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist to wet, well-drained; tolerates clay
• Water Requirements: Moderate to high; keep soil consistently moist
• Growth Habit: Upright, rounded shrub
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
• Bloom Season: Late spring to early summer (inconspicuous flowers)
• Mature Height: 6-10 feet (shrub form)
• Spacing: 4-6 feet apart

Planting & Care

Winterberry Holly seeds require cold stratification to germinate. Sow seeds in a moist seed-starting mix and refrigerate for 60-90 days before moving to a warm, bright location. Keep the medium consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination can be slow and uneven, often taking several months. Once seedlings have developed true leaves, transplant them into individual pots and grow them on in a sheltered spot.

When planting outdoors, choose a site with full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic soil. Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish a deep root system. Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Remember to plant at least one male pollinator for every few female plants to ensure a good berry set.

What's Included

25 Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) seeds.