Berry Heavy Gold Winterberry holly

Berry Heavy® Gold winterberry holly is the female selection Ilex verticillata 'Roberta Case', a deciduous North American native grown for clusters of bright gold berries after its green foliage drops. It reaches about 6–8 feet tall and wide, and needs a compatible male winterberry nearby to set fruit ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/berry-heavy-gold-winterberry-holly-ilex-verticillata); [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/berry-heavy-gold-48350)). ## Fruit and placement Plant it where the fall and winter crop can be seen, such as a rain garden, natural area, border, hedge, or mass planting. Its golden fruit decorates bare branches and can be cut for arrangements. The berries are ornamental, not edible; the breeder notes that Ilex berries may be toxic to pets. The female selection needs male pollen; the breeder recommends Mr. Poppins® and advises planting within about 50 feet ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/berry-heavy-gold-winterberry-holly-ilex-verticillata); [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/berry-heavy-gold-48350); [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-verticillata/)). ## Growing conditions Choose full sun to part sun; at least four hours of direct sunlight helps fruit set. Keep the soil moist to very moist and slightly acidic. It can tolerate average soil, while dry soil can reduce fruit production. This shrub is listed for USDA Zones 3–9 ([Proven Winners ColorChoice](https://www.provenwinnerscolorchoice.com/product/berry-heavy-gold-winterberry-holly/); [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/berry-heavy-gold-48350); [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-verticillata/)). ## Maintenance Pruning is usually unnecessary and can reduce future flowers and berries. If shaping is needed, remove whole branches rather than shearing; use cut branches for seasonal arrangements. Water new plants regularly while they establish, and keep the female and male pollinizer within the recommended distance ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/berry-heavy-gold-winterberry-holly-ilex-verticillata); [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/berry-heavy-gold-48350)).