Southern Gentleman Winterberry

Southern Gentleman is the male selection of winterberry holly, *Ilex verticillata* 'Southern Gentleman'. This deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree bears no fruit and is grown as a late-blooming pollenizer for female winterberries ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-verticillata-southern-gentleman/)). ## Size and Foliage Mature plants are about 6–8 feet tall and wide, with an erect, rounded form. Glossy dark-green leaves turn purple-bronze to yellow in fall, while small greenish-white flowers open in spring ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-verticillata-southern-gentleman/)). ## Pollination Use this male with later-blooming female *Ilex verticillata* cultivars; its flowers provide pollen but it will not produce berries. NC State recommends one male winterberry for every six to ten female plants and lists Cacapon, Shaver, Sunset, Winter Gold, and Winter Red among the later-blooming partners ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-verticillata-southern-gentleman/)). ## Siting Plant in full sun to partial shade and acidic, moist soil. It tolerates poorly drained or occasionally wet ground and suits pond margins and rain gardens; NC State also lists hedge, border, foundation, and mass plantings ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-verticillata-southern-gentleman/)). ## Maintenance If shaping is needed, prune in early spring just before new growth appears. The flowers are fragrant, and the plant attracts specialized bees; its foliage also serves as wildlife food and a butterfly host plant ([NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-verticillata-southern-gentleman/)).