Holly

Winterberry and inkberry show two sides of the holly family, one dropping its leaves to reveal red berries glowing on bare stems and the other staying evergreen with glossy foliage. Inkberry makes an excellent hedge and foundation plant, while winterberry brings bright color to the winter garden. Both tolerate wet soils, so they are valuable for rain gardens and low areas. Songbirds rely on the berries in the coldest months, and berry-laden winterberry branches are classic holiday decorations. Holly seed is notoriously slow, often needing a warm period and then a cold one, with some seeds waiting a year or more to appear.