A scarlet magnet in the wintry landscape, this winterberry holly (Ilex verticillata) grew from a berry self-sown in my garden from a native shrub growing in the surrounding wetland. Many male and female winterberries inhabit the wet landscape. Notice the upright posts that frame the specimen shrub. I had constructed a pergola there, to grow grape and groundnut vines to shade a bench within. When I discovered the small tree that had chosen that spot, the new life prevailed. That was about 20 years ago. Find a pileated woodpecker in the winterberry bush here.
More about this desirable plant for your landscape below.*
Amsonia (Amsonia tabernaemontana), eastern bluestar, is the standout perennial seen here as the last perennial to hold onto its leaves. See it in bloom here. Recently, as I walked by the plant, its leafy stems softly brushed my hand. A tender moment in the mostly dormant landscape.
The garden today, November 14, about like it was on the 4th.
As morning temperatures head down to the low 20s in my location, predicted for the morning of November 15, I am poised to cut the Brussels sprouts plants and place them in cold storage before you read about it! Fresh parsley anyone?
Addendum:
*Winterberry holly for cultivated landscapes: “Easily grown in average, acidic, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Adaptable to both light and heavy soils, but prefers moist, acidic, organic loams. Good tolerance for poorly drained soils including wet boggy or swampy conditions (this species is native to swampy areas of Eastern North America). Winterberries are dioecious (separate male and female plants). Only fertilized female flowers will produce the attractive red berries that are the signature of the species. Generally, one male winterberry will be sufficient for pollinating 6-10 female plants. Flowers appear on new growth.”
