Winterberry Berry Poppins PP (Ilex verticillata)
Best compact shrub for small gardens needing winter color and wildlife.
Introducing the Winterberry Berry Poppins® PP, a dwarf deciduous holly that offers stunning visual appeal with its vibrant red berries, perfect for adding spectacular winter interest. This compact variety, reaching a mature height of 3-4 feet, is ideal for smaller gardens and landscapes. It blooms in early summer, attracting beneficial pollinators. Native to New England, it's adaptable to various soil types, though it prefers moist conditions. For optimal berry production, cross-pollination with another compatible winterberry is recommended. This easy-care plant provides year-round beauty and vital food for birds.
$19.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
34
/ 2598
#34 in Bushes & Shrubs
Price vs Category Average
-49%
Below average
Pot Size
4
/ "
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking vibrant color during the bleak winter months
- Urban dwellers with limited space for traditional landscaping
- Wildlife enthusiasts looking to support local bird populations
Who should skip it
- Gardeners wanting a low-maintenance, single-plant solution
- Landscapers prioritizing year-round visual interest in their beds
- Owners of dry, well-draining soil without irrigation systems
Performance breakdown
Winter Visual Impact
Vibrant red berries provide exceptional seasonal color in dormant landscapes.
Space Efficiency
Compact dwarf habit fits perfectly into small gardens and containers.
Ecological Value
Supports local pollinators and provides essential winter sustenance for birds.
Maintenance Ease
Low-fuss growth requirements make this an ideal choice for beginners.
Climate Adaptability
Highly versatile range spanning zones three through ten for broad appeal.
Pollination Dependency
Requires a compatible partner plant to ensure reliable berry production.
Key Specs
Pot Size
4"
Grows To
3-4' height
Hardiness Zone
3 through 10
Sun Requirements
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Bloom Season
Summer
Foliage Type
Deciduous
SKU
P8860-4
Mature Height
48 inches
Features
- Spectacular bright red winter berries
- Dwarf variety for small spaces
- Provides vital bird food
- Attracts pollinators
- Native to New England
- Compact growth up to 4 feet
- Adaptable to various soils
- Easy care requirements
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Winterberry Poppins for its manageable size, making it perfect for smaller gardens and patios. The core delight is the spectacular, persistent display of vibrant red berries that provide crucial winter color when the landscape is dormant. Reviewers consistently commend Logee's for shipping robust, healthy starter plants. The plant is considered reliable and high quality once established, delivering on its promise of heavy berry set in a neat package. A key consideration noted is the necessity of planting a compatible male pollinator for successful berry production. For those meeting this requirement, the Poppins is a must have for exceptional winter interest.
Know before you buy
Yes. To ensure a heavy crop of red berries, you must plant a compatible male pollinator nearby, such as 'Mr. Poppins,' to cross-pollinate with this female variety.
The Berry Poppins is a dwarf variety that reaches a mature height of 3 to 4 feet. Its compact, bushy habit makes it an excellent choice for small garden beds, containers, or foundation plantings.
No, this plant is not considered pet-safe. The berries and foliage can be toxic if ingested by dogs or cats, so it is best to place it in an area inaccessible to curious pets.
While it is adaptable to various soil types, it thrives best in moist, slightly acidic soil. It is a great option for areas of your landscape that tend to stay damp.
No, this is a deciduous holly. It will lose its leaves in the autumn, which actually helps highlight the vibrant red berries that remain on the bare branches throughout the winter months.
For the best growth and berry production, plant it in a location that receives full sun to partial sun. While it can tolerate some shade, more light generally results in a denser, more productive shrub.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$20