Ilex 'Berry Poppins’

Ilex verticillata 'Berry Poppins': Compact Winterberry with Heavy Red Fruit

Ilex verticillata 'Berry Poppins' is a Proven Winners® winterberry holly that packs a big berry show into a compact, upright shrub. In early spring, small white flowers quietly appear, then develop into a heavy crop of bright red berries that glow through fall and into winter. After leaf drop, the berry-laden stems become the main event, adding bold colour to the winter landscape and providing valuable food for birds. It’s an easy way to build strong seasonal interest without needing a large shrub footprint.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 3–4’
• Spread: 3–4’
• 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

Uses and Benefits: Perfect for mixed borders, foundation beds, rain-garden edges, and naturalized plantings where winter interest matters. Its compact size makes it easy to repeat in groups for a stronger berry-filled display, and the stems are excellent for seasonal cutting. For reliable berry production, plant a compatible male pollinator nearby, such as Ilex verticillata 'Mr. Poppins'.

Care Instructions: Water regularly during the first season to establish, then maintain even moisture during dry spells for best growth and berry set. Mulch helps conserve moisture and supports the slightly acidic soil winterberry prefers. Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and encourage vigorous new growth. Place it where winter sun can backlight the berries, and allow room for its upright habit to develop fully.

History: Winterberry holly is a North American native prized for its cold-season fruit and adaptability to moist soils. 'Berry Poppins' was selected for a compact, upright habit and heavy berry production, bringing the classic winterberry look to smaller gardens and tighter landscape designs.

Final Thoughts: For bright winter colour in a space-smart shrub, Berry Poppins delivers a generous berry display that makes the quiet season feel full of life.