Winterberry holly, Black Alder
Ilexverticillata 'Shortcake'

Family: Aquifoliaceae (a-kwee-foh-lee-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Ilex (EYE-leks)
Species: verticillata (ver-ti-si-LAH-tuh)
Cultivar: Shortcake
Hybridized by Polly Hill 1986

Category
Shrubs

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Deciduous
Provides Winter Interest
Smooth

Foliage Color

Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
N/A

Bloom Color
White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer

Other details

Soil pH requirements
4.6 to 5.0 (highly acidic)
5.1 to 5.5 (strongly acidic)
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From softwood cuttings
From semi-hardwood cuttings
By simple layering

Seed Collecting
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed