Photo of Ilex verticillata 'Shortcake' fruit by Forestfarm

Photo by Forestfarm

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Ilex verticillata 'Shortcake'

Also Known As

  • Shortcake Winterberry

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'-5'
  • W: 2'-4'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

Ilex verticillata 'Shortcake' plant details

Ilex verticillata 'Shortcake' is a broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In spring green flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees and birds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ilex verticillata 'Shortcake'

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: aquifoliaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: green blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, rain garden, winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ilex verticillata 'Shortcake'

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Abundant bright-red berries line the dense bare branches of this 4-5' native shrub until birds (considering it a delicatessen plant!) eat them; great for wildlife, foundation, massing and holiday decoration; Jim Dandy pollinates. S-PSh/M-W

Gardening facts about Ilex verticillata 'Shortcake' plant

How to Grow Ilex verticillata 'Shortcake'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • green
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Ilex for your garden

aka Dwarf Pagoda Japanese Holly

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 1'-3'

  • sun - bright shade
  • regular - occasional
Photo of Ilex crenata 'Dwarf Pagoda' by Grace Peterson
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aka Geisha Japanese Holly

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular - drought tolerant
Photo of Ilex crenata 'Geisha' foliage by plant lust
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aka Rock Garden Holly

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 1'-2'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • regular
Photo of Ilex 'Rock Garden' foliage by Hoot Owl Hollow Nursery
View Plant

aka Ilex crenata 'Snowflake', Snowflake Japanese Holly

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 6'-8'

Width: 5'-6'

  • sun - shade
  • regular
Photo of Ilex crenata 'Shiro-Fukurin' foliage by plant lust
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aka Holly

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 2'-3'

  • sun - shade
  • regular
Photo of Ilex crenata 'Lemon Gem' foliage by plant lust
View Plant

More Options

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