Red Sprite & Jim Dandy Winterberry Shrubs?

Posted on | September 28, 2009 | 8 Comments

My mom picked me some “Red Sprite” and “Jim Dandy” winterberry shrubs for my front garden to replace my hydrangeas. “Jim Dandy” is the male plant. Males are needed to pollinate the females. One male can pollinate at least 6 females but the male plant produces no fruit. When I saw the picture of the plant online it looked more like a holly plant—leaves and berries. But I guess the leaves fall off in early October and your left with just berries. I’m rethinking this whole winterberry idea. Maybe I should get a miniature style holly? Do they even exist? I want something that stays green throughout the winter and sturdy enough for holiday lights. I don’t want just shrubs. Maybe something with a little ornamentation…Any ideas?

Category: garden

Comments

8 Responses to “Red Sprite & Jim Dandy Winterberry Shrubs?”

trish
September 28th, 2009 @ 7:31 pm
hi katy- feel for you with the renovation, I renovated a 1850s greek revival that took about five years. Just keep chipping, it adds up.
from the images it looks like that is the shady side of the house; I’m thinking osmanthus will work, they are evergreen, in the holly family and are fine with limited light. Bonus, they have the most beautifully fragrant blossoms in the fall that spell like citrus.
best to you-
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DThomson
September 29th, 2009 @ 8:11 am
another suggestion, Skimmia japonica. they are slightly holly looking but the leaves are not sharp. The males have berries, they keep their leaves all winter, and in spring they have soft white flowers that are fragrant. I just planted a few at my house in chevy chase DC, not sure if they do well farther north. I too am renovating an old house room by room. I am also trying to get the yard and house ready for winter. best of luck.
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jane
September 29th, 2009 @ 8:35 am
Hi Katy,
No need for a miniature as evergreen Holly can be kept as a small shrub if you trim it! It’s truly a four season delight. “Blue Princess” holly has the rich bluegreen color that I love. The delicate white blossoms of springtime have already turned into the luscious red berries now! It too needs a male to pollinate but I was lucky enough to get a pot with both male and female in it. Also, there may be other holly plants in your neighborhood that will polinate yours. During the winter holidays I trim some branches to decorate with elsewhere. This keeps it the size I want.
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Roxane
September 29th, 2009 @ 8:56 am
Maybe you can plant Cardinal Redosier Dogwood
with the holly. That way, you’ll have red twigs with white berries that will add color interest with the dark green holly bushes.
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Katy Elliott
September 29th, 2009 @ 9:58 am
Thanks everyone for your suggestions! This small little garden is making me crazy.
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Caroline
September 29th, 2009 @ 10:56 am
Hi Katy. Oh boy, huh! I still think the winterberry will look beautiful in your garden – but as part of a mixture of evergreen shrubs and perennials. Osmanthus is a lovely suggestion – it is one of my favorite shrubs, but it’s not hardy in your area :(. If you post the measurements of your garden, and give a little more details as to the amount of light it receives etc., I’m happy to send you a quick plan to get your ideas started. Include the maximum height you would want the shrubs to get as well.

Don’t let a garden drive you crazy!!!
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Katy Elliott
September 29th, 2009 @ 11:04 am
oh my goodness Caroline your the sweetest!
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Caroline
September 29th, 2009 @ 8:21 pm
I love to design gardens :)
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