Jim-Dandy-WInterberry1 - Grasshopper Gardens

(Ilex verticillata ‘Jim Dandy’) winterberry holly - Grasshopper Gardens

Jim Dandy Winterberry

Essential pollinator: Ensures heavy berry set on early-blooming female winterberry varieties like ‘Red Sprite’
Cold-hardy: Thrives in harsh northern winters with ease
Compact size: Fits well in smaller landscapes or mixed shrub borders
Native plant benefits: Supports local ecosystems and wildlife
Low maintenance: Adaptable and easy to grow once established

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#7 Container

$86.00

14 in stock

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$86.00

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Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

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Jim Dandy Winterberry

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Jim Dandy Winterberry

A reliable male winterberry holly selected specifically to pollinate female varieties and ensure abundant berry production. Though it doesn’t produce berries itself, Jim Dandy plays an essential role in creating vibrant winter landscapes.

General Information:

Botanical Name: Ilex verticillata ‘Jim Dandy’
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Mature Height: 3–6 feet
Mature Spread: 3–6 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3–9
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering and Flower Color: Small, inconspicuous white flowers in late spring; not ornamental

Geographic Guidance:

Performs well across the Northeast, Midwest, and other cooler regions of the United States, especially in areas with cold winters and moist soils.

Why Choose This Plant?

If you’re planting winterberry hollies for their brilliant berries, Jim Dandy is a must-have companion.

Essential pollinator: Ensures heavy berry set on early-blooming female winterberry varieties like ‘Red Sprite’
Cold-hardy: Thrives in harsh northern winters with ease
Compact size: Fits well in smaller landscapes or mixed shrub borders
Native plant benefits: Supports local ecosystems and wildlife
Low maintenance: Adaptable and easy to grow once established

Complete Care & Growing Guide

Light Requirements
Performs best in full sun for optimal flowering, but tolerates partial shade.

Soil
Prefers moist, acidic soils but adapts to average garden conditions. Ideal for areas with consistent moisture or near water features.

Watering
Requires regular watering during establishment. Mature plants prefer consistently moist soil and are not highly drought-tolerant.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: This is a large landscape tree and as such, requires a bit of planning before planting. First, measure the area where you would like to plant your hedge or row. You will need the length of the area of planting to estimate the number of trees you need.

When planting, dig a hole for each tree that is three times as wide as the root ball but just as deep. Place the tree, fill in around the tree with the same soil you took out when initially digging the hole. Finally, tamp down as you fill to cut back on any air pockets from forming, water the tree, then mulch to conserve moisture.

2. Watering: For the first two weeks, water your new tree every other day by holding a hose around it and counting to 20. If you don’t have a hose, 2 large watering cans full of water will do (smaller trees may only need a light soaking so a single can may suffice).

Related Resources

FAQs

Does Jim Dandy produce berries?

No, it is a male variety and does not produce fruit.
Why do I need Jim Dandy?

It pollinates early-flowering female winterberry plants, allowing them to produce berries.
How many female plants can one Jim Dandy pollinate?

Typically, one male plant can pollinate up to 5–7 nearby female plants.
Which female varieties pair well with Jim Dandy?

‘Red Sprite’ is the most common pairing, as they bloom at the same time.
Do I need to plant it close to female plants?

Yes, for effective pollination, plant within about 50 feet.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Mature Height	Large: Up to 6 ft
Mature Spread	0-5 ft
Growth Rate	Moderate, Slow
Botanical Name	Ilex verticillata 'Jim Dandy'
Bloom Time	Early Summer
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Aquifoliaceae
Flower Color	White
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#7 Container

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Mature Spread	5-10 ft	5-10 ft	5-10 ft	0-5 ft	0-5 ft	5-10 ft
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Family	Oleaceae	Oleaceae	Adoxaceae	Hydrangeaceae	Adoxaceae	Caprifoliaceae
Flower Color	Blue/Purple	Blue/Purple	White	Green, Pink	White	Pink
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Maintenance	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low	Low