Winterberry grows naturally from Maine to Mississippi and Louisiana. The simple dark green leaves are about 2″ long and alternate. I. verticillata is dioecious and needs both male and female plants for berries to be produced. It is important to plant male I. verticillata in close proximity to the female plants.
The great beauty of this plant is the production of the clusters of brilliant red berries that enhance the stark late fall and winter landscape. Conditions for growing this shrub include sun to partial sun. I. verticillata prefers acidic soil, but once established in the landscape, I. verticillata can withstand moderate drought conditions.
Another shrub with exceptional winter interest is Cornus sericea or Red Osier Dogwood (zones 2-7). Standing approximately 6-8 feet tall this shrub has creamy white flowers in the spring, colorful fall foliage and beautiful stem color. It grows throughout Canada, west Alaska and south to Virginia. C. sericea can also be found growing around the Great Lakes, Nebraska and even in some locations as for south as Arizona, New Mexico and northern California.
Cornus sericea stem and leaves
C. sericea grows to about 9 feet (height and width). The 4′ leaves are simple and opposite and turn brilliant red and burgundy in autumn. With small white clusters of flowers that open in June, the Red Osier Dogwood prefers sun to partial sun and wet to moist conditions. When the foliage drops in autumn, the incredibly colorful stem color contrasts beautifully with the winter landscape.
Cathy Felton is the National Garden Clubs’ Native Plant Chairman & Horticulture Coordinator. The NGC is recognized as the largest volunteer gardening organization in the world. Since 1929, they have provided garden club members with educational opportunities in all aspects of gardening and floral design. NGC aids in the protection and conservation of natural resources, promotes civic beautification and encourages the improvement of roadsides and parks. This article was reprinted from “The National Gardener.” Find out more at http://www.gardenclub.org.
Originally posted 2010-01-05 00:49:15. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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