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Ilex serrata 'Sundrops' (Japanese winterberry)


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Plant Showcase - from our advertisers


Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Ilex serrata 'Sundrops' EYE-leks ser-RAY-tah Common Name: Japanese winterberry Genus: Ilex
This compact deciduous holly reaches up to 8 feet tall with equal or greater spread. Pale yellow berries ripen in September and stand out on reddish-brown branches, persisting into early winter and attracting birds.
Noteworthy characteristics: Adaptable to wet soil conditions and likes full sun to partial shade. Use as a specimen tree or in a woodland garden.
Care: Grow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Hollies are dioecius, so a few male plants are needed for a female plant to produce berries. Plant or transplant in spring.
Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings in summer or early autumn.
Problems: Young shoots are susceptible to aphids; also watch for scale insects and leaf miners. Phytophtora root rot sometimes occurs.
Height 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Spread 6 ft. to 10 ft.
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Characteristics Attracts Birds; Showy Foliage; Showy Fruit
Foliage Color Evergreen
Uses Specimen Plant/ Focal Point
Style Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Winter Interest, Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Shrubs

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