Ilex verticillata ‘Southern Gentleman’ #3 (Male Winterberry Holly)

‘Southern Gentleman’ is a cultivated variety of our native male Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata). This is the male pollinator needed for ‘Winter Red’ Winterberry Holly to produce fruit. It prefers moist, acidic soil in partial to full sun which will produce the best flowering. Both sexes are necessary for fruit production, but one male plant will suffice for up to six female plants if they are within reasonable flying distance (~50ft) for the bees that cross-pollinate them. They are fairly adaptable to average garden conditions and will perform well in most soils that receive adequate moisture, although chlorosis can be an issue in high pH soils.

Sources:
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants by Michael A. Dirr
Missouri Botanical Garden