The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Japanese winterberry

Ilex serrata 'Sundrops'

EYE-leks ser-RAY-tah

This compact deciduous holly reaches up to 8 feet tall with equal or greater spread. Pale yellow berries ripen in September and stand out on reddish-brown branches, persisting into early winter and attracting birds.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsAdaptable to wet soil conditions and likes full sun to partial shade. Use as a specimen tree or in a woodland garden.

CareGrow in moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil. Hollies are dioecius, so a few male plants are needed for a female plant to produce berries. Plant or transplant in spring.

PropagationSemi-ripe cuttings in summer or early autumn.

ProblemsYoung shoots are susceptible to aphids; also watch for scale insects and leaf miners. Phytophtora root rot sometimes occurs.

  • Genus : Ilex
  • Zones : 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
  • Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage, Showy Fruit
  • Plant Type : Shrubs
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide