Growing Holly and Winterberry: Festive Berries for Holiday Decor

Fresh holly and winterberry branches cost $5–10 each—why not grow your own? These easy, beautiful shrubs provide years of holiday material.

Winterberry (Ilex verticillata)

Native deciduous holly, 5–15 ft tall. Grown for brilliant red (or yellow) berries after leaves drop. Cold-hardy, thrives in wet locations (streamside, damp woods). More sun = more berries. Excellent for cutting.

English Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Classic evergreen with glossy leaves (blue-green, dark green, variegated). Over 400 species and thousands of hybrids, from dwarf shrubs to 50-ft trees. Provides wildlife habitat and winter bird food. Deer love it too.

It Takes Two: Pollination

Hollies are dioecious—male and female plants needed for berries. One male per six females, within sight, blooming simultaneously. Only females fruit.

Planting Tips

• Fertile, slightly acidic soil.
• Evergreen types: moist, well-drained. Winterberry: tolerates swampy conditions.
• Shallow roots—mulch to keep cool and moist.

Holly in History & Folklore

• Ancient Romans gifted holly during Saturnalia for protection against evil spirits.
• Druids decorated at winter solstice as a symbol of life's renewal.
• Holly walking sticks protected against mad dogs and wild animals.
• Planting near the house was believed to ward off lightning.

Add holly to your landscape wish list for beauty, wildlife, and holiday cheer!

By Robin Sweetser