- Type:
- Deciduous shrub
- USDA hardiness zones:
- 3-9
Cacapon' is a female winterberry cultivar which typically matures to 6-8' tall. It is a large-berried, slow-growing, deciduous, suckering shrub with an upright rounded habit. Distinguished from other winterberries by its crinkled, glossy dark green leaves. Relatively inconspicuous whitish flowers appear in the leaf axils in late spring. Flowers, if properly pollinated, give way to a profuse crop of bright red berries in fall. Berries are quite showy and will persist through the winter (hence the common name) unless consumed by local bird populations. Berries provide considerable color to the landscape.
- Full sun to part shade
- Medium to wet
- Low
Easily grown in average, medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Adaptable to both light and heavy soils, but prefers moist, acidic, organic loams. Good tolerance for wet conditions (the species is native to swampy areas in Eastern North America). Winterberries are dioecious (separate male and female plants). 'Cacapon' is a female cultivar which needs a male pollinator to produce the attractive red berries which are the signature of the winterberries. Generally one male winterberry (such as I. verticillata 'Jim Dandy' - K650) will be sufficient for pollinating 9-10 'Cacapon' plants. Prune to shape in early spring just before new growth appears.
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