Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Berry-producing shrubs, 3 by ViburnumValley

ViburnumValley wrote:
First, let's get the hollies straight.

'Apollo' and 'Sparkleberry' are hybrids developed by the US National Arboretum.

http://www.usna.usda.gov/Newintro/sparkle.html
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/123788/

The parents are Ilex serrata and Ilex verticillata. Fruit on 'Sparkleberry' is smaller than many selections of Winterberry Holly - favoring the fruit size of the Japanese Winterberry Holly - but as abundant as most and persistent through winter months providing a wonderful colorful display.

'Winter Red' is a full-fledged hot-blooded southern damsel of the Ilex verticillata clan, and nothing sets her to, er, fecundity, like a true 'Southern Gentleman'. When the two are in sync, the display is downright scandalous.

All that said: you really can't go wrong with any of the deciduous hollies, and you will find greatest satisfaction when you have as many of them around as possible.

Edited to say: These are NOT images of a brothel.



This message was edited Dec 8, 2013 4:52 PM