Southern Gentleman Winterberry, Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman', is a male selection that is used to pollinate Ilex 'Winter Red' and Ilex 'Sparkleberry'. You'll need both male and female plants to produce fruits. A vigorous growing, upright rounded plant with glossy, dark green summer foliage, Southern Gentleman turns yellow-green to purple-bronze in fall. Winterberries are the "queens" of the fruiting shrub world when ranked for ornamental value. The fruiting branches are great for decoration in the garden or in the house. The leaves drop off the plant in late fall to expose the beautiful berries. A wonderful shrub for winter interest, the Southern Gentleman Winterberry rounded habit reaches 6-8 feet in height and width, but may be pruned for a smaller shrub. The plant grows in sun or partial shade and a rich, well- drained soil, although it tolerates swampy areas. The fruits are often eaten by birds. ... find out more