Ilex verticillata Sweethearts - Southern Gentleman/Winter Red Combo

Ilex verticillata Sweethearts - Southern Gentleman/Winter Red Combo

Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman/Winter Red'

Sweethearts Winterberry

The combination of Southern Gentleman and Winter Red creates a self-pollinating plant that produces an abundance of bright red berries in the fall. Each complements the other in their growth habit and blooming time. The  leaves are reddish as they appear in the spring maturing to dark green in summer.  As fall approaches the leave turn yellow and as they drop the abundant bright red berries are revealed, presisting through winter providing food for birds.


We offer Sweethearts 24" to 30" in a 5 gallon container.



More About Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman/Winter Red'

  • Perfect combination for berries
  • Adds winter interest to the landscape
  • Attracts birds
  • Good for cut flower or dried arrangements
  • Adaptable to light and heavy soil but prefers moist conditions

Sweethearts Winterberry Growing and Maintenance Tips

Easy to grows in partial shade of full sun.  Prefers moist slightly acid soil.  Prune in spring before new growth emerges to keep a formal appearance.  Fertlize with an all purpose fertlizer when needed.


Height:

6-9 Feet

Spread:

6-8 Feet

Spacing:

6-8 Feet

Hardiness Zone:

4-8

Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman/Winter Red' Characteristics

Exposure

  • Full Sun
  • Partial Sun

Attracts Wildlife

  • Attracts Songbirds

Soil Moisture

  • Moist, Well-Drained
  • Wet Soil/Wetlands

Attributes

  • Water's Edge / Bog Plant
  • Native
  • Dried Flower/Foliage
  • Mass Planting
  • Fall Color
  • Cut Flower/Foliage
  • Naturalizing
  • Fast Growing
  • Focal Point
  • Low Maintenance

Foliage Color

  • Dark Green

Habit

  • Mounding
  • Upright

Genus Overview: Ilex

Family: verticillata · Common Name: Winterberry

The verticillata is native to the eastern and central United State and some parts of Canada. A slow growing deciduous shrub, with an upright and oval-round shape has tiny white flowers along the stems in spring before the dark green leaves emerge. Leaf color is yellowish with a tinge of purple in the fall. A male plant needs to be present in order for the female to produce berries. This versatile plant adapts to many soil types and is very useful in wet areas in full sun or partial shade. Excellent when used as a border, hedge or in mass planting. Excellent shrub for moist soils in low spots or along streams and ponds.