Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly

Ilex verticillata 'Farrowmrp'

Proven Winners®

Hardy in zones 3-9, this compact native holly thrives in wet soil and tolerates clay conditions that challenge other shrubs
Produces abundant bright red berries that persist through winter, providing critical food for songbirds when other sources are scarce
Compact 3-4 ft size makes it ideal for small gardens, foundation plantings, and containers where traditional winterberry would be too large
Male pollinator required for berry production - plant Mr. Poppins® with Little Goblin® Guy or other male winterberry within 50 feet

$26⁵⁹

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Requires at least six hours of direct sun for best berry production. Plants in partial shade will still produce berries but in smaller quantities.

Soil: Naturally adapted to wet, acidic soils but tolerates average garden conditions. Thrives in heavy clay or low-lying areas where many shrubs struggle. For alkaline soils, work sulfur into the planting area to lower pH to 5.0-6.5 for optimal growth.

Watering Requirements

Water deeply twice weekly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, winterberry tolerates both wet and moderately dry conditions, making it adaptable to fluctuating moisture levels. Plants grown in consistently moist soil will be fuller and produce heavier berry crops.

Pruning Tips

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges, as winterberry blooms on new wood. Remove up to one-third of the oldest stems at ground level to encourage vigorous new growth and heavier berry production. Light shaping maintains the natural rounded form without sacrificing the berry display.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply an acid-loving plant fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Use a product formulated for azaleas, rhododendrons, or hollies to maintain proper soil acidity. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which promote leafy growth at the expense of berry production.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Attracts pollinators, Fall Color/Interest
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3-4 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact
Blooms In	Spring, Summer
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Holly
Botanical Name	Ilex verticillata 'Farrowmrp'
Species	verticillata
Cultivar	Farrowmrp
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata 'Farrowmrp') brings all the winter magic of native winterberry in a compact package designed for today's smaller gardens. This deciduous holly packs its 3-4 foot frame with brilliant red berries that light up the winter landscape from October through February, long after most shrubs have faded into dormancy.

Compact Size, Maximum Impact

Traditional winterberry hollies can reach 8-10 feet tall, overwhelming foundation plantings and small garden spaces. Mr. Poppins® stays naturally compact at 3-4 feet in both height and width, making it perfect for areas where you want dramatic winter interest without the bulk. The rounded, dense habit requires minimal pruning to maintain its neat form.

A Pollinator and Wildlife Essential

The small white flowers that appear in late spring provide nectar for native bees and other pollinators. By late summer, female plants transform into berry-laden specimens, but only when pollinated by a male variety. Plant Mr. Poppins® near Little Goblin® Guy or another male winterberry within 50 feet for reliable berry set. The bright red berries provide crucial winter food for cedar waxwings, robins, bluebirds, and other songbirds when insects and other natural food sources are scarce.

Native Resilience for Tough Spots

As a North American native, winterberry evolved in wetland edges and low-lying areas throughout the eastern United States. This makes Mr. Poppins® an excellent choice for those challenging spots in your landscape - areas with heavy clay soil, seasonal standing water, or drainage issues. It adapts equally well to average garden conditions, showing remarkable flexibility as long as soil remains slightly acidic.

Year-Round Garden Interest

Spring brings fresh green foliage and delicate white blooms. The dense summer canopy provides textural interest and a backdrop for perennials. Fall color ranges from yellow to subtle purple-tinged tones. Then comes the main event - as leaves drop in October, the stems are absolutely loaded with glossy red berries that create a stunning focal point against snow, evergreens, or winter's bare landscape. The berries persist for months, often lasting until birds strip them clean in late winter.

Landscape Uses

Mr. Poppins® shines in foundation plantings where its compact size won't block windows or require constant shearing. Mass three or more plants for a spectacular winter berry hedge. Use it in rain gardens or bioswales where it helps manage water while providing beauty. The compact form also makes it suitable for large containers on patios or decks, bringing the winter show closer to where you'll see it from indoors.

This is a shrub that earns its space in the garden by working hard through all four seasons, but especially when the rest of the landscape sleeps under winter's spell. Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly proves that good things really do come in small packages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How tall and wide will Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly get at maturity?

Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly reaches 3-4 feet tall and wide at maturity, staying naturally compact compared to traditional winterberry varieties that can reach 8-10 feet. This makes it perfect for foundation plantings and smaller garden spaces where you want dramatic winter berry display without overwhelming the area.

How often should I water Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly after planting?

Water newly planted Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly deeply 2-3 times per week for the first month, then weekly during dry spells. This native thrives in moist conditions and tolerates wet soil better than drought. Maintain consistent moisture through the first growing season, available at naturehills.com.

Is Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly a fast or slow growing plant?

Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly is a moderate grower, reaching its mature 3-4 foot size within a few seasons. This compact native adapts well to various conditions while maintaining its naturally dense, rounded form with minimal pruning needed.

Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly

Ilex verticillata 'Farrowmrp'