Ilex (winter berry)
Ilex — the winterberry — is the definitive winter and holiday floral material. Dense red or golden berry clusters on bare branches provide graphic seasonal accent for wreaths, garlands, and installation work between November and February. Yellow-berry Ilex is prized by editorial designers for its rarer, more sculptural quality against the traditional red.
| Family | Aquifoliaceae |
|---|---|
| Origin | Eastern North America |
| Peak season | November, December, January |
| Availability | October, November, December, January, February |
| Stem length | 40–90 cm |
| Vase life | 14–28 days |
| Colors | red, orange, yellow |
| Price tier | mid |
Cut stem at 45°, place in fresh water. Berries hold on the stem for weeks without water in cool rooms.
- •Very long-lasting — up to 4 weeks
- •Handle carefully; berries drop from bumped stems
- •Works dry after the initial fresh phase
- •Cool storage 4-8°C extends life
2 named ilex / holly cultivars from the Lacy Bird master catalogue — each a distinct commercial variety.
Entries marked ✦ come from the Acanta master catalogue — the shared database of cut flowers, forms, colours and named varieties that florists and studios build on. The rest are our editorial genus reference. What is Acanta →
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ilex (winter berry) in season?
Ilex (winter berry) peaks in November, December, January, and florists can usually source it October, November, December, January, February. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.
How long does Ilex (winter berry) last in a vase?
Expect 14–28 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.
What can I use instead of Ilex (winter berry)?
Good substitutes for Ilex (winter berry) include Viburnum, Sea Buckthorn. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.
What does Ilex (winter berry) symbolise?
Ilex (winter berry) is associated with winter, festivity, perseverance.
How do you care for cut Ilex (winter berry)?
Very long-lasting — up to 4 weeks
