- Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 6 - 7 Feet
- Mature Spread 6 - 7 Feet
- Growing Zones 4 - 8
Ilex verticillata Wildfire™ has multiple seasons of interest and high wildlife appeal. Commonly called Wildfire™ Winterberry, this shrub features pure white flowers in spring. In the fall, Wildfire™ produces large, pretty red berries that serve as food for birds in the winter. The branches can be cut to make cheerful holiday displays. The berries and flowers are offset by lush, dark green foliage.
This is a female dwarf holly that has a compact, rounded form that reaches 6 – 7 feet high and 7 – 8 feet wide. To set fruit, it requires a male holly plant such as Jim Dandy or Southern Gentleman. It tolerates wet, boggy conditions, salt, and clay soil. It is deciduous and will lose its leaves in winter. Use it as a windbreaker hedge to attract birds, or upgrade your curb appeal with Wildfire™ in a foundation planting or along your driveway.
Wildfire™ Winterberry Care
This shrub prefers full to partial sun positions. It tolerates a variety of soil types including compacted soil and boggy conditions. It requires an acidic pH between 5 – 6 and may languish in alkaline soils. Water Wildfire™ regularly during the growing season for best performance and to establish a strong root system. Topdress the root zone with a layer of organic compost. Fertilizer is not necessary to keep this shrub healthy and happy.
Wildfire™ does not need to be pruned; however, you can lightly shape it in early spring with pruning clippers.
Wildfire™ Winterberry Spacing
To create a tight hedge of this winterberry, space these shrubs approximately 6 feet apart, center on center. Increase the spacing to 8 feet apart if a gap between shrubs is desired.
Wildfire™ Winterberry Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Full Sun (At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 6 - 7 Feet |
Mature Spread: 7 - 8 Feet |
Spacing: 7 - 8 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: Dark Green |
Seasonal Interest: 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought, Salt |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: |
Uses: Borders, Hedges & Privacy, Mass Planting, Wetland Areas & Ponds, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Low Maintenance |
Brand: First Editions Plants |
Common Name: Wildfire™ Winterberry |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: ILEX VERTICILLATA `WILDFIRE` |
- SKU:
- 1231006413-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

Best in Class Warranty
We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind.
Arrival Guarantee
We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Free 1-Year Plant Warranty
All bushes, perennials & trees come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.

Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.