Deciduous Holly, Bare Root

Deciduous Holly (Ilex decidua)

Deciduous Holly, also known as Winterberry, is a unique, native holly shrub celebrated for its bright red berries that persist through winter, bringing vibrant color to the landscape. This multi-stemmed shrub loses its leaves in the fall, leaving clusters of red berries exposed on bare branches, creating a stunning winter display and attracting birds. Deciduous Holly is ideal for wetland edges, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes, and it’s especially popular for winter interest in pollinator and wildlife gardens. With its adaptability to moist soils and easy care, Winterberry is a versatile choice for year-round garden appeal.

Key Characteristics

• Winter-Lasting Red Berries: Deciduous Holly produces clusters of bright red berries that last through winter, providing critical food for birds, including cardinals and cedar waxwings, during colder months. The berries create a beautiful, natural holiday decoration in the landscape.

• Pollinator-Friendly Blooms: Small, inconspicuous white flowers bloom in late spring, attracting pollinators, including bees and butterflies. To ensure berry production, plant both male and female plants; one male can pollinate multiple female plants in close proximity.

• Tolerant of Moist and Wet Soils: Deciduous Holly naturally thrives in moist, acidic soils and is an excellent choice for wetland edges, streambanks, rain gardens, and low-lying areas. It also tolerates clay and sandy soils, making it adaptable to a variety of landscapes.

• Beautiful in Naturalized and Woodland Gardens: With its upright, vase-like shape and seasonal interest, Winterberry is perfect for mass plantings, woodland edges, and as a striking hedge in naturalized settings. It also adds structure and color to rain gardens and pollinator habitats.

• Low Maintenance and Deer Resistant: Deciduous Holly is deer resistant and requires minimal care once established, making it a great choice for low-maintenance landscapes. Its dense branching also provides nesting habitat for small birds and shelter for wildlife.

Product Details

• Native Range: Eastern North America
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous shrub
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, acidic, well-drained to wet soils; tolerates clay and sandy soils
• Mature Height: 6-12 feet
• Bloom Time: Late spring
• Bloom Color: White (inconspicuous)
• Berry Color: Bright red (persists through winter)
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9

Deciduous Holly adds beauty, wildlife value, and seasonal interest to landscapes, with bright red winter berries and pollinator-friendly blooms, making it a standout in naturalized and wildlife-friendly gardens.