Winterberry shrubs are in the same family as the English holly, the conventional Christmas holly with dark green foliage and vibrant red berries. They are deciduous and shed their muted green leaves in the fall, leaving several burgundy berries on each branch and stem.
Where To Grow Winterberry Shrub
These appealing shrubs are found in eastern Canada but also grow in the south of the Canadian provinces, Virginia, and western regions of the U.S., particularly Michigan. The plant grows well in swampy areas and woodlands and can reach up to 15 feet in height. If you want to grow wildberry to decorate your landscape, the plant can be trained to reach about 12 feet.
Winterberry Shrub Requirements
It is suitable for hardiness zones 3-9. The plant needs full sunlight and prefers acidic, wet soil. It's best to plan the shrubs near a stream or pond, and they can be planted in dry soil and partial shade but will only spread a little. The plants attract songbirds. Thrushes, catbirds, cedar waxwings, and red squirrels eat the plant's berries. The shrub is disease-resistant but will develop leaf spots without proper tending. Be sure to plant both female and male plants to ensure the shrubs produce fruit. Plant the shrub close together, using one male plant for every three female plants. These shrubs look best near the end of summer, and the leaves and fruit last through most of the winter. During the summer, the shrub displays small, white flowers.
Winterberry Shrub's Growth
Several cultivars, including Winter Red, are ideal for cutting arrangements. Winter Red has medium-sized bright red berries and rich green leaves that turn bronze in the fall. Winter Gold is a beautiful choice as well, with pinkish-orange berries. If you're using it as a hedge, Red Stripe works well. The branches grow close together, and the plant grows up to five feet tall. The Afterglow cultivar is similar in height and has eye-catching orange-red berries.