Ilex verticillata - where are the berries?
Posted: Jul 26, 2005 4:49 am
I have two shrubs of Ilex verticillata planted next to the pond in constantly moist, slightly acidic soil in a sunny position. They do well and have grown to a height of 1,20 m and 1,50 m within 8 years. The nursery assured me that rooted cuttings of both male and female plants were used when planting these Ilexes.
Both shrubs flower nicely with lots and lots of little white starflowers along their branches, followed by again lots and lots of little green berries. From this I conclude that the plants are both fertile.
However, latest by the end of June all green berries are shed. Within eight years, only one single berry succeeded to ripen to a full red colour.
Any idea, why the berries don't stay and ripen?
Both shrubs flower nicely with lots and lots of little white starflowers along their branches, followed by again lots and lots of little green berries. From this I conclude that the plants are both fertile.
However, latest by the end of June all green berries are shed. Within eight years, only one single berry succeeded to ripen to a full red colour.
Any idea, why the berries don't stay and ripen?