Ilex 'Berry Heavy’

Ilex verticillata 'Berry Heavy': Branches Packed with Brilliant Winter-Red Berries

Ilex verticillata 'Berry Heavy' is a Proven Winners® winterberry holly that earns its name with an exceptional berry display. Small white flowers appear in early spring, followed by stems that become heavily loaded with bright, glossy red berries for fall and winter colour. Once the leaves drop, the berries take centre stage, creating a crisp, festive look that also supports hungry birds. Upright and substantial, it brings strong structure to the landscape and looks especially striking against snow or evergreen backdrops.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 6–8’
• Spread: 6–8’
• Flower Colour: White
• Flowering Period: Early spring
• Foliage: Green, deciduous shrub foliage
• Sunlight Requirements: Full Sun to Part Shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, acidic, organic-rich soil; tolerates wetter sites once established

Uses and Benefits: An outstanding choice for mixed shrub borders, naturalized plantings, rain garden edges, and any spot where winter interest matters. The berry display is excellent for seasonal arrangements and brings strong wildlife value, especially in colder months. Plant it where you can enjoy the bare-stem beauty after leaf drop, and use it as a focal shrub or in groups for a bigger berry-filled impact. A compatible male pollinator is required nearby for reliable fruit set.

Care Instructions: Water regularly during the first season to establish, then maintain even moisture during hot, dry stretches for best growth and berry production. Mulch helps conserve moisture and supports the slightly acidic soil conditions winterberry prefers. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage strong new growth. Site it with a pollinator to ensure berries, and give it room to develop its full, upright form.

History: Winterberry holly is a North American native species valued for its cold-season fruit and adaptability. 'Berry Heavy' was selected in the Proven Winners® lineup for its notably heavy berry set and strong upright habit, making it a dependable choice for bold winter colour in the landscape.

Final Thoughts: For unforgettable winter colour and wildlife-friendly beauty, Berry Heavy delivers a berry display that looks rich, intentional, and season-defining.