Ilex
verticillata, commonly called winterberry, is a deciduous holly that is native
to eastern North America where it typically occurs in swamps, damp thickets,
low woods and along ponds and streams. This is a deciduous shrub with an
upright-rounded habit that typically grows 3-12’ tall. Elliptic to obovate,
toothed, dark green leaves (2-3” long). Leaves may turn attractive shades of
maroon in the autumn. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in the leaf axils in
late spring. Flowers give way to a crop of bright red berries (1/4” diameter)
in late summer to fall. Berries are quite showy and will persist throughout the
winter (hence the common name) and often into early spring. Berries provide
considerable impact and interest to the winter landscape. Hardy in zones 3-9.
Growing
Instructions for the Winterberry
The seeds have
a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for
spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions
and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Scarify the seeds by
nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a
nail file or an emery board. 2. Soak the seed in water for 24 hours. 3. Place
the seeds in a plastic bag and seal it. Store the bag in a refrigerator for two
months. 4. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half
potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot.
Water the mixture so that it is moist but not wet. 5. Sow the seeds 3/8 of an
inch deep. 6. Water the container and leave it to drain. 7. Put the pot in a
shady area. 8. Water the pot regularly so that the soil is moist but not wet.
9. The seedlings can be transplanted when they are a few inches tall.
Richard (verified owner) –
Great germination.
Paul (verified owner) –
Very fast delivery.
Angel (verified owner) –
Great seeds, I now have squash everywhere from this one pack of seeds
Tyler (verified owner) –
Easy to grow beautiful
Mason (verified owner) –
Very well worth the money.