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photo of Mike Farrow

Meet the Breeder

Mike Farrow
Maryland, USA

MR. POPPINS®

Holly - Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

'FarrowMrP'

PP#25,834; CBR#5287

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Close up of green foliage of male pollinator Mr Poppins winterberry holly
  • Native to North America
  • Space saving
  • Dwarf and compact
Description

Mr. Poppins® is a compact male selection, the ideal pollinator for Berry Poppins® and other early winterberry holly. Space-saving dwarf variety allows it to be tucked away in the landscape. Note: this male cultivar will not bear fruit but is essential for pollinating female varieties.

USDA Zone
3 - 9 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
3 - 4'
Width
3 - 4'
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, flowering and fruit set is best with at least 4 hours of sun each day.

  • Spec Sheet: Mr. Poppins® Ilex Spec Sheet
  • Benchcard: Mr. Poppins® Ilex Benchcard
  • Tag: Mr. Poppins® Ilex Tag
  • Grower Sheet: Mr. Poppins® Ilex Grower Sheet
  • Booklet/Brochure: A New Vision for Native Shrubs

    • Features: Native, Winter interest, Attracts pollinators, Deer resistant, Clay soil, Compact, Dwarf

    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: Native, Winter interest, Attracts pollinators, Deer resistant, Clay soil, Compact, Dwarf

    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