Overview
Uses: Foundation plantings, rain gardens, winter-interest borders, native plantings, mass plantings.
Benefits: Produces abundant bright red berries that persist through winter, creating vivid seasonal contrast. Compact, well-branched habit fits easily into smaller landscapes while providing strong wildlife value.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Deciduous Shrub
Growth Habit: Rounded, Mounding — dense branching from the base.
Bloom Color: White
Foliage Color: Green
Mature Height: 3–4 feet
Mature Width: 3–4 feet
Bloom Season: Late Spring
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Few shrubs create the kind of winter impact that Berry Poppins® Winterberry Holly delivers.
In late spring, small white flowers appear along the stems, followed by an impressive set of bright red berries that mature in fall and persist well into winter. Once the leaves drop, the branches remain covered in fruit, creating strong architectural interest and dependable cold-season color.
This compact selection of winterberry holly is ideal for smaller landscapes, foundation beds, and rain gardens. It performs especially well in moist soils and naturalized areas where other shrubs may struggle, while also supporting birds that rely on winter fruit for food.
Care
Berry Poppins® Winterberry Holly Care
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Increased sunlight encourages heavier berry production.
Prefers moist, slightly acidic, well-drained soil but tolerates wet conditions once established, making it suitable for rain gardens and low-lying areas.
Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it tolerates periodic wet soils but should not remain in standing water long term.
Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and fruit production.
Prune in early spring before new growth begins if shaping is desired. Minimal pruning is typically required.
This female selection requires a compatible male winterberry holly nearby for fruit production. One male plant can pollinate several female plants within range.
Size
What Size is the Berry Poppins® Winterberry Holly for Sale Online?
Plants ship in a greenhouse-grade grow pot and are actively growing at the time of shipment. Size will vary slightly depending on the season and current growth stage. If you have specific sizing questions, please contact us.
How Large Does Berry Poppins® Winterberry Holly Grow?
At maturity, this shrub reaches approximately 3–4 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, forming a dense, rounded structure that fits well into foundation plantings and mixed shrub borders.
Additional Information
What is the botanical name of Berry Poppins® Winterberry Holly?
The botanical name is Ilex verticillata ‘Berry Poppins’.
Does Berry Poppins® require a pollinator?
Yes. Berry Poppins® is a female selection and requires a compatible male winterberry holly nearby for berry production. Pairing it with a male cultivar ensures reliable fruit set.
What are some common names for this plant?
This plant is commonly known as Winterberry Holly or Winterberry.
Is this shrub deer resistant?
Winterberry is generally considered deer resistant, though browsing may occur when food sources are limited. Explore additional deer-resistant shrubs and evergreens for similar landscape options.
Where does this plant perform best in the landscape?
Berry Poppins® performs especially well in moist soils, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. It also works beautifully in foundation plantings and mixed borders. You can explore more Proven Winners® selections or browse our Shrubs & Bushes collection for complementary plantings.
