Winterberry holly 'Southern Gentleman' (Ilex verticillata 'Southern Gentleman') is a dynamic native shrub that elevates Southeastern landscapes with year-round appeal. Growing 6–8 feet tall and wide, this robust male cultivar forms a handsome, rounded mound of glossy, dark green leaves that drop in fall to reveal smooth, silvery stems. In May and June, small, creamy-white flowers bloom, attracting bees and other pollinators to ensure vibrant berry production on nearby female winterberries, like ‘Winter Red’ or ‘Sparkleberry.’ Native to wetlands and streambanks across the Southeast, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist, acidic soils, making it ideal for North Mississippi (Zones 3–9). Low-maintenance and adaptable, it tolerates wet conditions and needs minimal pruning to maintain its natural grace. A vital pollinator for female hollies, it supports abundant winter berries that draw songbirds, adding wildlife charm. Perfect for hedges, rain gardens, or mixed borders, ‘Southern Gentleman’ delivers structural beauty and ecological benefits. Plant this dependable shrub to enhance your garden with effortless elegance and pollinator support.