Ilex verticillata Mr Poppins
Ilex verticillata 'Mr Poppins' photo courtesy of Proven Winners
Winterberry

Ilex 'Mr Poppins' winterberry holly is a male pollinator for the Berry Heavy series'. IIt will not bear fruit itself, but it plays a crucial role in getting the best from the female varieties. It blooms at the same time as the female varieties, guaranteeing a good crop of showy berries all winter long. The berries are a very important food source for our native birds. Winterberries lose their leaves in the winter time but the red berries are very striking against the winter snow.

  • Height: 90 to 122 cm (3-4 ft)
  • Spread: 90-122 cm (36-48 in)
  • Hardiness: Zone 3-9
  • Sun or Shade: full sun to part shade
  • Bloom Time: early spring
  • Leaf Colour: green
  • Bloom Colour: white
  • Critter Resistance: deer
  • Nature Attraction: birds

Growing and Maintenance Tips

Winterberries naturally grow in, and therefore prefer, wet acidic soil, but they can handle the well-drained soil found in most gardens. They grow well in either full sun or partial shade. Light pruning should be done immediately after blooming. Plant one 'Mr Poppins' holly for up to 5 femaie hollies. The plants can be up to 15 meters apart.

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