Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman' ~ Southern Gentleman Winterberry

Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman' ~ Southern Gentleman WinterberrySouthern Gentleman Winterberry is a vigorous upright native deciduous shrub with a rounded habit and dark green foliage that turns yellow green to purple bronze in fall. A male holly that doesnt produce fruit but acts as a pollinizer. Best planted in moist, slightly acidic well drained soils. Hollies are dioecious and need both male and female plants to produce fruit. Tolerates wet, boggy conditions. Ilex verticillata is a native food source for

Southern Gentleman Winterberry is a vigorous upright native deciduous shrub with a rounded habit and dark green foliage that turns yellow-green to purple-bronze in fall.  A male holly that doesn’t produce fruit but acts as a pollinizer.  Best planted in moist, slightly acidic well-drained soils.  Hollies are dioecious and need both male and female plants to produce fruit.  Tolerates wet, boggy conditions.

Ilex verticillata is a native food source for several animals and pollinators, and acts as a host for various moths and the Henry's Elfin Butterfly.  While the wildlife enjoys the berries they are toxic to humans.

MAINTENANCE NEEDS:  Low Maintenance.  Water regularly.   Well-drained soils essential.   Potential issues include mites, scale, leaf spot, rot, and mildew.  Susceptible to leaf scorch or drop if not protected from afternoon sun in hotter climates.

LANDSCAPE USES:  Accents or Group Plantings, Borders, Woodland Gardens, Hedges, Foundation Plantings, and Containers.

COMPANION PLANTS: Azalea, Blueberry, Camellia

IMAGE: James H. Miller & Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, Bugwood.org, Ilex glabra 1120530, CC BY 3.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.