{"product_id":"ilex-verticillata-winter-red-shrub-bright-red-berries-for-winter","title":"Ilex verticillata Winter Red Shrub - Bright Red Berries for Winter","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red' shrub is evaluated as a landscape and seasonal accent for gardeners who want reliable winter interest and wildlife value. The bottom line: this shrub is best for homeowners and small landscapers in USDA Zones 3-8 who want a low-maintenance, multi-stem hedge that produces a bumper crop of bright red berries through fall and winter. The reviewer found the plant arrives well-rooted in a #3 size container and establishes quickly, making it an appealing choice for immediate planting and holiday decoration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Performs well across USDA Zone 3-8, offering reliable survival in cold winters and a wide range of gardens.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMature size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Reaches roughly 8-10 ft tall and 8-10 ft wide, providing a dense screen or focal hedge without excessive pruning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eContainer ready:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivered in a #3 size container, fully rooted and ready to plant immediately when weather permits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWinter interest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Produces a heavy display of bright red berries in fall and winter that persist and attract songbirds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape form:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dense, multi-stem habit and deep green foliage make it useful for borders, foundation plantings, or natural hedges.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis shrub is ideal for gardeners who want an easy-care native-style holly with strong seasonal color and bird appeal, especially those in colder climates where winter berries are prized. It suits homeowners creating hedges, wildlife gardens, or a winter focal point that also doubles as material for seasonal decor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less appropriate for tiny container patios where an 8-10 ft mature size is impractical, or for gardeners who need an instant, dense screen under 5 ft tall. Those needing a dwarf form should look elsewhere.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHealthy, well-rooted plants arrive in a #3 container ready to plant and establish quickly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEye-catching bright red berries that persist into winter and consistently attract songbirds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStrong growth and new bud production reported, indicating good long-term vigor and value for money.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge mature size (8-10 ft) limits use in very small gardens or tight spaces without pruning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBotanical name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIlex verticillata 'Winter Red'\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGreen Promise Farms\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardiness\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSDA Zones 3-8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMature size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8-10 ft H x 8-10 ft W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eContainer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDelivered in a #3 size container, fully rooted\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeasonal interest\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBright red berries in fall and winter; deep green foliage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red' is a solid choice for gardeners seeking dependable winter color and wildlife attraction; it arrives healthy and ready to plant and develops into a substantial, low-maintenance hedge. For its size, ease of establishment, and persistent berry display it represents strong value for homeowners in Zones 3-8 who can accommodate an 8-10 ft shrub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this plant survive in cold climates?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it is hardy in USDA Zones 3-8 and is suited to cold winter conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it arrive ready to plant?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe plant is delivered in a #3 container and is fully rooted in soil so it can be planted immediately when weather permits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo birds use the berries?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the bright red berries are attractive to songbirds and persist through fall and winter.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Green Promise Farms","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48741512872155,"sku":"B07HFSFLZ4","price":43.42,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/81qxv4oeQIL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1779001879","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/ilex-verticillata-winter-red-shrub-bright-red-berries-for-winter","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}