Winterberry 'Berry Heavy'
Winterberry 'Berry Heavy'
Winterberry 'Berry Heavy'

Winterberry 'Berry Heavy'

Pépinière Lemay Nursery

$39.99
Title

'Berry Heavy' is the gold standard of winterberry hollies, specifically bred to produce a massive, "heavy" crop of oversized, scarlet-red berries that cling to bare, ebony-toned stems. Because this shrub drops its leaves in autumn, the vibrant fruit is left completely exposed, creating a breathtaking contrast against a backdrop of fresh white snow. It’s like having a living holiday decoration right in your yard—a spectacular, ruby-studded masterpiece that remains vivid long after other plants have faded for the season.

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners or www.provenwinners.com

Size

Size Guide

Visit Us

Delivery

Warranty

Plant Details

Mature Size:

6–8' High x 6–8' Wide

Zone:

3–9

Watering:

High

Foliage Type:

Deciduous

Growth Rate:

Slow - Moderate

Light:

Full Sun

Plant Profile

Common Names:

Winterberry Holly, Black Alder, Swamp Holly, Michigan Holly

Scientific Name:

Ilex verticillata 'Spravy' (Trade name: Berry Heavy®)

Type:

Ornamental Shrub / Native Deciduous Shrub

Growth Details:

  • Mature Size: 6–8 feet tall and wide.
  • Growth Habit: Upright, rounded, and multi-stemmed.
  • Form: Dense and bushy mounded shrub.
  • Growth Rate: Slow to Medium.
  • Longevity: Can live for 40 years or more under ideal conditions.

Environmental Needs:

  • Exposure: Full sun, partial sun, or partial shade.
  • Soil Preferences: Rich, acidic (pH 5.5–6.5), organic loams.
  • Soil Tolerance: Highly tolerant of heavy clay, poorly drained soil, and boggy conditions.
  • Watering: Abundant; do not let established plants dry out completely.

Special Features:

Native species; deer and rabbit resistant; salt tolerant; outstanding fruit for holiday floral arrangements.
Care Guide

Ornamental & Landscape Value

Seasonal Interest:

  • Bloom Information: Tiny, inconspicuous white flowers in late spring (May/June).
  • Fall Colour: Leaves stay dark green before dropping; berries turn vivid red.
  • Bark: Smooth grey-brown bark; winter interest comes from berry-laden bare stems.
  • Fruit: Spectacular, closely-packed bright red berries that persist through winter.

Garden Value:

Perfect for mass plantings, mixed borders, and cutting gardens. Its tolerance for "wet feet" makes it ideal for rain gardens, bioswales, and pond edges.

Wildlife & Human Value:

  • Wildlife Value: Critical late-winter food source for songbirds like Bluebirds and Cedar Waxwings; attracts pollinators.
  • Human Value: High ornamental value for winter curb appeal; cut branches are prized for indoor holiday décor.

Planting & Care Guide

Planting Considerations:

  • Best Time To Plant: Spring or Autumn.
  • Spacing: 2–3 feet for tight hedges; 5–8 feet for individual specimens.
  • Location Tips: Requires a male pollinator (like Mr. Poppins® or Jim Dandy) planted within 50 feet to produce berries.

Care:

  • Light Requirements: Full sun (6+ hours) to partial shade; full sun produces the most berries.
  • Moisture Requirements: High; prefers consistent moisture and thrives in wet areas.
  • Maintenance: Low; avoid regular pruning as it flowers on old wood.
  • Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer or one for acid-loving plants in early spring if growth is slow.

Tolerances:

Wet soil, clay soil, urban pollution, and extreme cold.

Tips For Success:

Plant one male for every 5–7 female plants to ensure maximum berry production. Mulch heavily with 2–3 inches of shredded bark to protect shallow roots.
Fruit Profile