Ilex

SEASONALITY
➜ Fall–Winter (Sep–Feb)

DESIGN TYPE
➜ Accent Element, Texture Element, Foliage

VASE LIFE
➜ Long-Lasting

BERRY SIZE
➜ 0.2–0.4in

STEM LENGTH
➜ 60–180cm+

➜ Ilex can comfortably remain dry-packed in the cooler for up to 2 days before processing, but should be allowed 6–12 hours of hydration before designing to promote healthy stems and berries

➜ Recut woody stems at a sharp angle before conditioning in deep buckets with cold fresh water
➜ For thicker stems, make a clean vertical split at the base to improve water uptake

➜ Condition in deep buckets with plenty of fresh water

➜ Ilex performs beautifully in fresh water arrangements and properly saturated floral foam for large-scale event work

➜ Use sturdy containers during conditioning and design, as berry-laden branches can become surprisingly heavy

➜ Handle branches by the stem rather than the berries whenever possible to minimize bruising and berry shedding

➜ If using long stems in tall arrangements, establish your mechanics first—ilex is often one of the first products designers place because it creates height and structure

➜ Store in the cooler until design time to help preserve berry color and stem freshness

POSITIVES ➜
♡ Incredible seasonal appeal
♡ Strong visual impact
♡ Excellent longevity
♡ Beautiful structural branches

NEGATIVES ➜
✗ Strongly seasonal availability
✗ Premium branches can command premium pricing
✗ Storage requires planning
✗ Becomes completely insufferable every November

What is ilex commonly called?
➜ Ilex is often referred to as winterberry

Why don't my ilex branches have leaves?
➜ Cut ilex is typically sold without foliage so the colorful berries become the main feature; removing the leaves also helps the branches stay cleaner and easier to design with

Will the berries fall off?
➜ Fresh ilex holds its berries exceptionally well
➜ A small amount of berry drop may occur during shipping or as the branches naturally age, but excessive berry loss is uncommon on fresh product

Can ilex stay boxed overnight?
➜ Absolutely, its woody stems make it one of the more forgiving seasonal products when stored dry in a cooler overnight

Can I shorten long branches for smaller arrangements?
➜ Definitely—florists routinely cut longer branches into multiple usable sections for centerpieces, entry arrangements, and holiday décor while preserving the branch's natural character

Can ilex be used in floral foam?
➜ Yes; its sturdy woody stems anchor securely in properly saturated floral foam, making it a favorite for large holiday installations and event work

Why do some branches have more berries than others?
➜ Natural variation is expected—berry count depends on the variety, growing conditions, and each individual branch, making every stem unique

Is ilex beginner-friendly?
➜ Absolutely—its durability, long vase life, and dramatic seasonal color make it an excellent choice for both professional florists and first-time designers

Can ilex be used outside holiday arrangements?
➜ Absolutely—it's beautiful in winter weddings and luxury event work

☆ One of the most recognizable winter products available
☆ Creates major seasonal impact
☆ Excellent for large-scale event work
☆ Provides color when flowers are limited
☆ Instantly makes things feel festive

☆ Hypericum
☆ Magnolia
☆ Pine
☆ Cedar
☆ Amaryllis
☆ Roses
☆ Ranunculus

☆ Ilex is the botanical genus that includes hollies, with many cut varieties grown specifically for their colorful ornamental berries rather than their foliage

☆ Only female ilex plants produce berries, and they require pollination from nearby male plants during production to develop the heavy berry clusters prized by florists

☆ Because of its exceptional vase life and bold seasonal color, ilex is one of the floral industry's signature branches for autumn, winter, and holiday designs