Ilex verticillata 'Jingle Bells'

Ilex verticillata Jingle Bells is a striking addition to the winter landscape, with its vivid scarlet berries lighting up the bare branches throughout the colder months. This deciduous holly is typically low-key during the growing season, displaying bright green, serrated leaves that fade to golden hues in autumn before falling away. What remains is a dramatic display of red berries, which cling to the bare branches, providing a rich pop of colour long after most plants have gone dormant. In spring, the female plants produce small, white flowers that attract pollinators. These long-lasting berries, which almost seem to sparkle in the winter light, can also be cut for seasonal arrangements and are prized by florists. Jingle Bells is a hardy, low-maintenance shrub ideal for borders in neutral to slightly acidic soils, offering year-round interest with minimal care. Maximum height: 2.5m (8.2ft). Spread: 1.5m (4.9ft). Please note that only female plants will bear berries, and they require a male plant nearby for pollination.