Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'
Winterberry
Red Sprite is a dwarf, female winterberry that has a profusion of bright red berries on compact plants. Berries brighten the winter landscape and provide food for overwintering birds. The inconspicuous flowers attract pollinators and require a male pollinator like Jim Dandy for fruit set.
Excellent in masses, shrub borders, for erosion control, and in wet areas. This deciduous holly also tolerates urban pollution and road salt.
- Native, deciduous holly
- Bright red berries in winter
- Tolerates wet soil
- Category: Shrub, Wetland, Native
- Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Height: 3-5 ft
- Spread: 3-3 ft
- Bloom Color: White
- Foliage Color: Green
Specialty Use
| • | Wildlife Garden |
Season of Interest (Flowering)
| • | Spring |
Season of Interest (Foliage)
| • | Summer |
Growth Rate
| • | Slow |
Foliage Color
| • | Green |
Attributes
| • | Bioretention |
| • | Border or Bed |
| • | Cut Flower/Foliage |
| • | Fall Color |
| • | Low Maintenance |
| • | Mass Planting |
| • | Native |
| • | Rain Garden |
| • | Slow Growing |
| • | Spring Bloomer |
| • | Water's Edge / Bog Plant |
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'
Adapted to wet soil as well as light or heavy soil. Prefers moist, acidic soil with high levels of organic matter. Full sun or part shade but fruit set is best in full sun. Leaves become chlorotic in alkaline soil.