Ilex verticillata Mr. Poppins® (Dwarf Male Winterberry Holly) Unity Grown

Ilex verticillata Mr. Poppins® is a male winterberry holly cultivar that functions as a male pollinator for female Ilex verticillata cultivars like Berry Poppins® when placed within 50'. Although Mr. Poppins® was bred specifically as a pollinator partner for Berry Poppins® by Proven Winners, Ilex verticillata Mr. Poppins® flowers throughout the month of may, making it a potential pollinating partner for any number of winterberry holly cultivars that bloom in May. Though it will not bear fruit itself, this cultivar's inconspicuous white flowers play a crucial role in getting the best from the female varieties.

Noted for its attractive summer foliage rather than fall and winter berries, Mr. Poppins®has deciduous, glossy green ovular foliage without the harsh spines of some holly species, and begins to lose its leaves after the first fall. Mr. Poppins® prefers medium to medium-wet soils and full sun to part-shade conditions; this cultivar is not picky about soil consistency, and will tolerate heavy, clay soils, but requires less water than other cultivars due to its compact size of three to four feet tall and wide. Mr. Poppins® has good resistance to deer and rabbit damage, and its inconspicuous appearance allows for planting anywhere within the landscape.

(Photo courtesy of Proven Winners)