Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Winterberry questions and answers..., 1 by ViburnumValley

ViburnumValley wrote:
Thanks, HoosierGreen. I do have quite a few, but since these can be gotten as small plants, bare root, rooted cuttings, or simply divisions of suckers of a parent plant - it isn't hard to build up a herd. Plus, starting 20 years ago didn't hurt.

The above picture demonstrates how Ilex decidua (Possumhaw holly) can be grown as a small tree or as a multistemmed big shrub. It also illustrates the range of colors represented by this species.

Alas, I only get to visit this planting. Bernheim Arboretum (Clermont, KY) boasts these specimens, part of the greatest holly collection in this part of the US.

stormyla:

All the Ilex verticillata are smaller than the Possumhaws shown above.

There are several Winterberries purported to be "smaller". If you go out and observe these plants in collections, what you'll realize is that these clones are compact, or maybe slower growing, or denser (less space between branching points). Ultimately, these plants are not small. Their growth habits lend ease to pruning for form, though, so that's a plus. But Winterberries are exceedingly easy to rejuvenate - cut them off low and watch the regrowth flourish.

You have to state what small means to you, or where/how you want to use the plant. 'Red Sprite' indicates smallness, but these plants easily reach 6' x 6'. They are cute in a 3G or 5G pot. They need an "early male" partner; 'Jim Dandy' is one, 'Rhett Butler' would work (but he's partial to 'Scarlett O'Hara'), and there is always the forgettable 'Early Male' that is still sold.

Other selections promoted as smaller include 'Shortcake' (from Polly Hill up northeast), 'Cacapon', and 'Shaver'. These may be scarcer in commerce. All these would partner with the same male as 'Red Sprite'.

Here's the miss 'Scarlett O'Hara'...