Mr. Poppins® Winterberry Holly
Ilex verticillata 'Farrowmrp'
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Delivery and Shipping
Fast, Safe Plant Delivery
Ships in 3-4 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 Plant Options
Nature Hills offers plants in two main formats:
- Container Plants: Grown in pots with soil, sized by container volume and plant age
- Bare Root Plants: Dormant plants without soil, sized by height measurements
Container Plant Sizes
Container sizes indicate plant age and growing capacity rather than liquid volume equivalents. Our containers follow industry-standard nursery "trade gallon" specifications, which differ from standard liquid gallon measurements.
Young Plants (6 months to 18 months old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" x 3" | 0.18 - 0.21 dry quarts | 0.20 - 0.23 dry liters |
| 4" Container | 0.31 - 0.87 dry quarts | 0.35 - 0.96 dry liters |
| 4.5" Container | 0.65 dry quarts | 0.72 dry liters |
| 6" Container | 1.4 dry quarts | 1.59 dry liters |
| 1 Quart | 1 dry quart | 1.1 dry liters |
| 5.5" Container | 1.89 dry quarts | 2.08 dry liters |
Established Plants (18 months to 2.5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Quart | 2 dry quarts | 2.2 dry liters |
| #1 Container | 2.26 - 3.73 dry quarts | 2.49 - 4.11 dry liters |
| 5" x 5" x 12" | 3.5 - 4.3 dry quarts | 3.85 - 4.74 dry liters |
Mature Plants (2-4 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Container | 1.19 - 1.76 dry gallons | 5.24 - 7.75 dry liters |
| #3 Container | 2.15 - 2.76 dry gallons | 8.14 - 12.16 dry liters |
Large Plants (3-5 years old)
| Container Size | Actual Volume | Metric Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| #5 Container | 2.92 - 4.62 dry gallons | 12.86 - 20.35 dry liters |
| #6 Container | 5.25 - 6.01 dry gallons | 23.12 - 26.42 dry liters |
| #7 Container | 5.98 - 6.53 dry gallons | 26.34 - 28.76 dry liters |
Bare Root Plants
Bare root plants are sold by height from the root system to the top of the plant. Plants may exceed minimum height requirements.
Common Sizes:
- Trees: 1 foot, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet
- Shrubs & Perennials: 1 foot, 18 inches, 2 feet
Important Notes
Container Volume Specifications
- Trade Gallon Standard: Our containers follow industry-standard "trade gallon" specifications established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI Z60.1) for nursery stock
- Volume Variations: Actual soil volume may vary due to plant root systems and growing medium settlement
- Age Indicators: Container size primarily indicates plant age and maturity rather than liquid volume equivalents
Growing Conditions
- Plant size can vary based on variety and growing conditions
- Container size helps indicate plant maturity and establishment level
- Larger containers generally mean more established root systems and faster landscape establishment
Seasonal Availability
- Bare root plants are available seasonally when dormant
- Container plants are available throughout the growing season
- Specific varieties may have limited availability in certain sizes
Questions?
For questions about specific plant sizes or availability, please contact our plant experts who can help you choose the right size for your landscape needs.
Plant Sentry™ Protected
Your order is protected by our compliance system that:
- Prevents restricted plants from shipping to your state
- Ensures plants meet your state's agricultural requirements
- Protects gardens from invasive pests and diseases
Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com
Plant Profile & Growing Essentials
Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Attracts pollinators, and Fall Color/Interest
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Botanical Name
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Height
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Width
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Growing Zones
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Sunlight
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Growth RateModerate
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Flower Color
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Leaf Color
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NativeYes
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Pollinator FriendlyYes
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Bloom PeriodLate Spring, Early Summer
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Does Not Ship ToAK, AZ, HI, ID, MT
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.
