Ilex V. ‘Berry Poppins’ 2Gal

Latin Name: Ilex verticillata Berry Poppins®

Common Name: Berry Poppins Winterberry Holly

Zones: 3–9

Height & Spread: 3–4 feet tall, spreading 3–4 feet wide

Descriptive Features: A dwarf-sized winterberry perfect for smaller landscapes that don't have room for a traditional, larger-growing Ilex verticillata. This deciduous, multi-stemmed holly features smooth, light gray bark and glossy, dark green, elliptical leaves with finely serrated margins that drop each fall. Small, insignificant greenish-white flowers appear in late spring to early summer, followed by a heavy, prolific display of brilliant red berries that persist through winter — outshining even 'Red Sprite' for fruit production — often lasting into early spring unless eaten by birds. As a female cultivar, it requires a male pollinator such as 'Mr. Poppins' planted within about 50 feet to set fruit. Adaptable to moist, acidic soils as well as wet or boggy conditions (though it struggles in neutral or alkaline soil), salt-tolerant, deer-resistant, and low-maintenance with minimal pruning needs. An excellent choice for foundation plantings, mixed borders, streamside or pond-edge plantings, or cut branches for winter arrangements in full sun to part shade.