Overview
Uses: Pollinator shrub for winterberry plantings, mixed borders, foundation beds, and wildlife-focused landscapes.
Benefits: A compact male winterberry selected to reliably pollinate Berry Poppins® and other female Ilex verticillata nearby, supporting heavy berry set on the females without taking up much space.
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
Sun: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Life Cycle: Deciduous Shrub
Growth Habit: Rounded, Upright — compact branching with a dense, shrubby form.
Bloom Color: White
Mature Height: 3–4'
Mature Width: 3–4'
Bloom Season: Late Spring
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
Small footprint, big impact — Mr. Poppins® brings the pollination power that makes winterberry plantings shine in fall and winter.
As a male Ilex verticillata, Mr. Poppins® won’t produce berries, but it’s a key partner for nearby female winterberries like Berry Poppins®—helping them set the bright, showy fruit that creates the classic winterberry display.
Its naturally compact habit makes it easy to tuck into mixed shrub borders or foundation beds without overpowering the planting, while still delivering reliable pollination where it counts.
Care
Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly Care
Plant in full sun to partial shade. More sun generally supports stronger flowering and better pollination timing in the landscape.
Winterberry prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil, especially while establishing. Water regularly during the first season, then water during dry stretches.
Prune in late winter to early spring if needed to shape the shrub or remove damaged wood. This variety naturally stays compact and typically needs minimal pruning.
If fertilization is needed, apply a slow release fertilizer in spring according to label directions.
Size
What Size is the Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly for Sale Online?
Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly ships in a greenhouse-grade grow pot, sized appropriately for the container and the season. Please contact us with any specific size questions before ordering.
How Large Does Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly Grow?
At maturity, Mr. Poppins® typically reaches about 3–4' tall and 3–4' wide, forming a dense, rounded shrub that’s easy to integrate into smaller landscapes.
Additional Information
What is the botanical name of Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly?
The botanical name is Ilex verticillata ‘Mr. Poppins’.
Does Mr. Poppins® produce berries?
No—this is a male winterberry, so it flowers but does not produce berries. Its role is to pollinate female winterberries so they can set fruit.
What does Mr. Poppins® pollinate best?
Mr. Poppins® is commonly paired with female winterberries such as Berry Poppins® and other Ilex verticillata varieties that bloom at a similar time. For the most reliable berry set, plant it within the same general planting area as your female winterberries.
Is Mr. Poppins® deer resistant?
Winterberry is generally considered deer resistant, though browsing can still happen when food is scarce. If deer pressure is a concern, explore our Deer-Resistant Shrubs and Evergreens and deer-resistant plants collections for more options.
