Ilex verticillata - Winterberry
- Su Whale
- Dec 12, 2025
- 2 min read
Beautiful berries without the prickles!
Christmas designs cry out for holly berries, and this particular Ilex is possibly one of the most impressive of all the Christmas foliage. Its tall, straight stems of impressive, bright berries will give contemporary arrangements height, brilliance and structure. It is excellent for contract Christmas designs when even just two or three stems will deliver that all important wow factor.
Commonly known as Winterberry, this variety of holly (pronounced ‘Eye-lex ver-tee-cill-lar-tuh’) is deciduous, losing its leaves in autumn to reveal clusters of berries in rich shades of red, orange and gold.
How Ilex is sold
Commercially, Ilex is available throughout November and December and is sold in bunches of 10 stems. Stem lengths are between 40-100cm, with the tallest stems being the most expensive. This is important to bear in mind when ordering so that you can get the best value out your stock.
Floristry Tips from Su Whale
How to Care for Ilex:
Ideal temperature for display: 2-5°C.
Keep out of direct heat sources or cold draughts that will shrivel up berries causing them to fall.
It is woody stemmed so needs to be re-cut using sharp secateurs.
Display in deep water, removing any lower branches.
Flower food is not necessary, but good vase hygiene is. Change water and re-cut stems every three to four days.
Using Ilex verticillata In Design Work
Tall stems are fantastic for commercial seasonal designs where impact is important. Ilex will last well when arranged directly into water, less so in floral foam. Smaller side branches can be added into vase arrangements and are perfect for Christmas bridal designs, where they will add that essential seasonal touch (without any prickly leaves) to bridal bouquets. Ilex can also be wired into buttonholes, corsages and boutonnières.
Images Envato Elements
Su Whale is a florist and freelance writer with over Thirty years' experience in the floristry industry. She is the author and publisher of three best-selling books: Cut Flowers, 4th edition (2020) Cut Foliage, 2nd Edition, (2021) and Houseplants (2019), all bookshelf essentials for the professional florist.
