Boy Holly + Girl Holly = Fruit?
Selecting the correct pollinating Winterberry Holly is important for fruit production
Aug 3, 2006
You know they are out there. But they fade into the background of the garden until winter. Then, when the gardening season looks to be at its bleakest, the deciduous Winterberry Hollies (Ilex verticillata) come to life. The foliage that dropped off in the fall has left branches full of red or yellow fruit to brighten the winter garden. They are especially beautiful when there is a bit of snow in the garden.
How do you get your Winterberries to produce fruit? It isn't as easy as you might think. Sure, you need a boy holly and a girl holly. Actually, the ratio is generally one boy to five girls. But, it has to be the right boy:
- Jim Dandy pollinates Afterglow and Red Sprite
- Southern Gentleman pollinates Sparkleberry, Winter Red, Winter Gold and Red Sprite
- Apollo also pollinates Sparkleberry
Deciduous hollies are multi-stem shrubs that can mature 8-10' and taller and are best when left to grow naturally with little to no pruning. Red Sprite and Afterglow are smaller mature varieties that can be planted closer to the house. Approximate mature sizes are:
- Afterglow 4-6'
- Apollo 10-12'
- Jim Dandy 6-8'
- Red Sprite 3-5'
- Southern Gentleman 7-9'
- Sparkleberry 12-15'
- Winter Gold 7-8'
- Winter Red 8-9'
Unlike the evergreen hollies, deciduous Winterberries are more adaptable to extremes in sun, heat, and moisture. Most of the varieties are hardy from zone 4-9.
These hollies are wonderful additions to the cut flower garden. Winterberry branches can be combined with spruce branches and used in containers by the front door in the winter. Or, use them in wreaths or swags at the entrance to your house. And, branches full of fruit can be brought inside for arrangements.
Not only will you add winter color to the garden by planting Winterberry Hollies, you will also help feed the songbirds.
Resource:
The United States National Arboretum
Click on Plants and Bulbs for more articles by Susan Mertz.
