How to Grow Ice Dance
Wikimedia Commons
Ice Dance
Ilex verticillata 'Ice Dance'
shrubIce Dance is a deciduous holly cultivar prized for its prolific bright red berries that persist well into winter, providing striking ornamental interest when many other plants are dormant. It is a compact, upright shrub that reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide, making it ideal for landscape design. The small dark green leaves turn an attractive burgundy color in fall before dropping.
When should you plant Ice Dance in your zone?
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Example Ice Dance timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Ice Dance
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Ice Dance
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ice Dance dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9, exceptionally cold-hardy
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Get my Ice Dance timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
First yearYoung shrub with small branching stems and emerging leaves; plant is focusing on root development
Water regularly to establish deep roots. Avoid fertilizing heavily. Mulch around base. Prune only to remove damaged branches.
Vegetative Growth
Year 2-3Shrub develops fuller branch structure with dark green leaves; new growth appears spring and early summer
Continue consistent watering. Light pruning in late winter to shape. Watch for spider mites in dry conditions. No berry production yet.
Flowering
May-JuneTiny white flowers appear on branches in late spring; flowers are inconspicuous but essential for berry set
Ensure pollinator (male holly) is present within 30-50 feet for fruit set. Do not prune during or just before flowering. Provide consistent moisture.
Fruiting & Berry Development
June through FebruaryBright red berries develop throughout summer and fall, becoming increasingly prominent and attractive
Berries persist through winter if not eaten by birds. Avoid heavy pruning that removes berry-laden branches. Birds will visit to feed on berries.
Dormancy
November-MarchLeaves drop in fall; plant goes dormant; bright red berries remain on bare branches providing winter interest
Prune in late winter (February-March) before new growth begins. Can remove diseased or crossing branches. Reduce watering during dormancy.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with regular misting; spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap in severe cases
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Prune out heavily infested branches; apply dormant oil in late winter; use horticultural soap in growing season
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Remove and destroy heavily mined leaves; apply neem oil when adult flies emerge in spring
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Prune and remove affected foliage; use insecticidal soap or neem oil on young larvae
Uses
Winter Interest & Landscape Design
OrnamentalIce Dance is prized for providing striking visual interest during winter months when bright red berries persist on bare branches, creating dramatic contrast against snow. Its compact form makes it valuable for foundation plantings, borders, and mixed shrub beds. [source]
Bird Food & Habitat
WildlifeThe abundant berries provide essential winter food for songbirds including robins, waxwings, and thrushes during harsh winter months when natural food sources are scarce. The dense branching structure offers shelter and nesting habitat. [source]
Holiday Arrangements & Floral Design
CraftBranches laden with bright red berries are sought after for holiday wreaths, centerpieces, and winter floral arrangements. The sturdy branches hold up well in water and dried arrangements. [source]
Cut Branches & Decorative Displays
HouseholdEntire berry-laden branches can be cut and displayed indoors in water or vases for 2-3 weeks, bringing winter color into the home without requiring replanting or ongoing care. [source]
Harvest Tips
Ice Dance is not harvested in the traditional sense, but branches with berries can be cut for indoor winter arrangements and holiday decorations. Cut branches in late fall or winter when berries are fully colored and firm. Cut just above a leaf node to promote bushier growth. Berries will last 2-3 weeks indoors in cool conditions.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Ice Dance is a female cultivar and requires a male winterberry holly planted nearby (within 30-50 feet) for pollination and berry production; excellent male pollinators include 'Jim Dandy', 'Southern Gentleman', and 'Raritan'
- 🌱 Winterberry hollies are native to eastern North America and are deciduous (unlike evergreen English hollies), making them exceptionally cold-hardy and more suitable for northern climates
- 🌱 A single Ice Dance shrub can produce hundreds of berries in a season, and the bright red color intensifies after the first frost, becoming more vivid as winter progresses
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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