Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman' (winterberry, male)

Maryland DNR Deer-Resistant Plant

'Southern Gentleman' is a late-blooming cultivar of winterberry holly that is a male pollinator for the later blooming female Ilex verticillata cultivars such as 'Winter Red', 'Winter Gold', and 'Maryland Beauty'. It can have a short window of overlap for pollinating 'Red Sprite'. It matures at 8–10' tall by as much wide, full sun to part shade. Tolerates wet soils. Flowers are insignificant. Note that this cultivar will not have berries. Plant 1 male for every 6–8 females.

Common winterberry holly is native to eastern North America. It occurs particularly in wetland habitats, but also on dry sand dunes and grasslands. Provides cover and nesting sites. Fruits attract birds; nectar attracts insects. Host plant for various moth species and butterflies including Henry's Elfin butterfly.