Ilex verticillata 'Afterglow'

Black alder (Ilex verticillata) EYE-leks ver-tih-sih-LAY-tah Genus:  Ilex

This plant is a suckering shrub or small tree with toothed, pointy, bright green leaves. It bears white flowers in spring, which are followed by spherical dark red to scarlet berries that persist through the winter. Some fruit ripens to yellow or orange.

Care: 

Adaptable to wet soil conditions and likes full sun to partial shade. Use as specimen tree or in a woodland garden. Plant or transplant in spring. Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Hollies are dioecius, so a few male plants are needed for a female plant to produce berries. Dwarf male cultivars are available for this purpose.

Propagation: 

Semi-ripe cuttings in summer or early autumn.

Problems: 

Young shoots are susceptible to aphids. Phytophtora root rot sometimes occurs.

Overview

Height 10 ft. to 15 ft. Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft. Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Characteristics Attracts Song Birds, Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit Bloom Time Spring Flower Color White Foliage Color Evergreen Uses Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs