Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Fall color: Fruiting Shrubs - Ilex verticillata (Winterberry)

Changing foliage is not the only option for color in your fall garden – callicarpa, winterberry, cotoneaster, pyracanthus and holly all show off with colorful berries in autumn.





Winterberry
Ilex verticillata
Hardiness Zone: 4 - 9
Mature Height: 6-9 Feet
Mature Width: 6-9 Feet
Bright red fruit on female plants; autumn color is pale yellow. Prefers full sun to partial shade; moist, well-drained soil is best, but tolerates wet sites; tolerates alkaline soil.
Cultivars:

* 'Afterglow'- 10 feet tall, orange to orange red fruit, good cold hardiness, (female).
* 'Jim Dandy'- 10 feet tall, (male).
* 'Red Sprite'- 3-5 feet tall, large, bright red fruit (female).
* 'Southern Gentleman' - Hardy to zone 3, (male).
* 'Spriber' ('Berry Nice')- 6-8 feet tall, outstanding display of bright red fruit (female).
* 'Winter Gold'- 7 feet tall, yellow fruit (female).
* 'Winter Red'- 9 feet tall, bright red fruits are abundant and persistent.

Mature Form: Oval to rounded; will sucker
Native To: United States (and Illinois)
Soil condition: Moist, Well-Drained Moist, Wet
Tolerance: Alkaline Soil, Soil Compaction, Wet Sites, Wind

Additional Notes: All species of Ilex have male and female flowers on separate plants. Fruit will be produced only if a male plant is available to pollinate the females. Leaves of this species will fall off in autumn.