Winter Gold Winterberry Holly

Winter Gold Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold')

Winter Gold Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold') is a striking female cultivar best known for its unusual coral-peach berries that offer a bright alternative to traditional red-fruited varieties. This deciduous native holly provides vivid winter interest, excellent wildlife value, and serves as a standout focal point in mixed borders and naturalized plantings.

Distinctive Features

'Winter Gold' grows 6 to 8 feet tall and wide with an upright, rounded habit. It produces dense clusters of soft golden-peach berries in fall that persist well into winter. The fruit display glows against the bare stems and is especially striking when paired with snow or dark evergreens. A mutation of 'Winter Red', this cultivar retains the same dependable structure and fruiting power with a unique color twist.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, acidic soil; tolerates clay and wet sites
• Water: Moderate to high; thrives with consistent moisture
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4�8

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Unusual berry color adds bold contrast in fall and winter
• Mixed Shrub Borders: Pairs beautifully with red-fruited hollies and evergreen backdrops
• Naturalized Areas: Blends well into native plantings and wetland margins
• Wildlife Gardens: Attracts birds and supports seasonal pollinators
• Cut Branches: Excellent for distinctive holiday arrangements

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods
• Pruning: Minimal; prune in late winter to remove old wood or refine shape
• Fertilizing: Use a balanced, acid-forming fertilizer in early spring
• Mulching: Maintain mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture
• Pollination: Requires a male pollinator such as Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman'

Why Choose Winter Gold Winterberry Holly?

• Unique Berry Color: Peach-gold fruit offers a distinctive twist on classic winterberries
• Reliable Fruiting: Consistent performance when properly pollinated
• Cold Hardy: Tolerates harsh winters and wet soils
• Wildlife Friendly: Provides late-season food for birds
• Focal Point: A bold and refreshing choice for standout winter interest

Ilex verticillata 'Winter Gold' brings rare color and native resilience to the garden, offering dependable structure, wildlife value, and a glowing winter display that stands apart from the rest.