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photo of Fred Case

Meet the Breeder

Fred Case
Saginaw, Michigan, USA

BERRY HEAVY® Gold

Holly - Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

'Roberta Case'

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Heavy yellow fruit set on Berry Heavy Gold winterberry holly "} Row of Berry Heavy Gold winterberry holly with bright yellow berries Close up of Berry Heavy Gold winterberry holly branch covered in yellow fruit Clean green foliage and yellow fall fruit of Berry Heavy Gold winterberry holly Close up of yellow Berry Heavy Gold winterberries covered in snow YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Native to North America
  • Outstanding winter color
  • Long lasting fruit
Description

Brightest gold fruit on the market. Strike it rich with Berry Heavy® Gold, the winterberry with the biggest, brightest gold fruit yet. You will treasure this long-time staff favorite for gardens, mass plantings, or as a cut branch. Selected by the late, great plantsman and conservationist Fred Case of Saginaw, Michigan. For berries on this female selection, a male pollinator is required; use Mr. Poppins® winterberry holly. Fruit is not edible.

USDA Zone
3 - 9 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
6 - 8'
Width
6 - 8'
Finish Time
1.5 seasons
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Does best in moist (even very moist), slightly acidic soils, but can take average soils as well. Avoid high pH sites.

Pruning

Winterberry holly blooms on old wood. However, pruning female varieties after blooming will remove any developing fruit, so pruning is not recommended except to remove entire branches in an effort to attain a specific form. Male varieties could be pruned after blooming, however, given the typically slow growth rate of winterberry hollies, pruning is not recommended for them either.

Uses

Mass plantings; hedges; cutting gardens; wildlife gardens; natural areas.

Growing Tips

One male plant will pollinate up to five females. Plant within about 50'/15.25m of one another to ensure pollination and good fruit set. Quite tolerant of shaded conditions; however, fruit set is best with at least 4 hours of sun each day.

  • Spec Sheet: Berry Heavy® Gold Ilex Spec Sheet
  • Benchcard: Berry Heavy® Gold Ilex Benchcard
  • Tag: Berry Heavy® Gold Ilex Tag
  • Grower Sheet: Berry Heavy® Gold Ilex Grower Sheet

    • Features: Cut flower, Native, Winter interest, Attracts pollinators, Deer resistant, Clay soil

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Winterberry, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Cut flower, Native, Winter interest, Attracts pollinators, Deer resistant, Clay soil

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Winterberry, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage