How to Grow Winterberry Holly

Winter gardens won't be drab if the winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) is part of the landscape. Tiny white flowers form in June, followed by light green pea size berries that turn pink in late summer and become a stunning red before the shrub drops its thick, shiny leaves in October. Reaching a height of 10 feet and spreading to 8 feet, winterberry is a delight in all seasons.

Winterberry holly
Shovel
Knife or garden shears
Water
Mulch or other organic material

Instructions

- 1
  Dig your planting hole 4 times the width of the root ball and equal in depth.
- 2
  Prepare the shrub for planting by removing any string or wire around the branches or trunk. Cut away at least half of the burlap around the root ball.
- 3
  Place the shrub in the planting hole and fill with water. Allow time for the root ball and surrounding soil to absorb.
- 4
  Pulverize the original soil with your shovel if it is clumped. Backfill into the planting hole and water again deeply.
- 5
  Spread a generous layer of mulch, 2 to 4 inches, around the base of the shrub and covering the entire planting area.

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