🌺 Sparkle Winterberry Holly for Bright Red Berries and Seasonal Color
A Stunning Female Holly Covered in Berries All Winter
Sparkle Winterberry Holly is a vibrant female holly cultivar prized for its profusion of brilliant red berries throughout the winter season. When planted near a compatible pollinator like Southern Gentleman Holly, Sparkle produces showy fruit that adds rich color to the landscape and provides food for birds.
Also Known As (AKA):
- Winterberry Holly
- Deciduous Holly
- Ilex verticillata 'Sparkleberry'
- Sparkleberry Winterberry
- Red Berry Holly
This deciduous shrub features glossy green foliage in summer, elegant branching, and eye-catching berries that persist long after leaves drop. It’s excellent in borders, mass plantings, or mixed shrub beds where winter interest matters most.
- 🌿 Glossy green summer foliage
- 🔥 Bright red berries on female plants
- 📏 Mature Size: 5–7 ft. tall, 4–6 ft. wide
- ☀️ Best in full sun to partial shade
- 💧 Prefers moist, acidic soils
- 🏡 Great for winter color, hedges, and wildlife gardens
Note: Requires a male pollinator (e.g., Southern Gentleman Holly) nearby for heavy berry set.
Growing Zones: 3–8 outdoors
| Mature Height: | 5–7 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Mature Width: | 4–6 ft. |
| Botanical Name: | Ilex verticillata 'Sparkle' |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Bloom Time: | Late Spring (female flowers) |
| Fruit: | Bright red berries in fall–winter |
| Type: | Deciduous Holly Shrub (Female) |
FAQ's
Does Sparkle Winterberry Holly produce berries?
Yes — as a female plant, Sparkle produces abundant bright red berries, especially with a male pollinator nearby.
What male pollinator should I plant?
Southern Gentleman Holly is an excellent pollinator partner and ensures heavy berry set on Sparkle Winterberry Holly.
When do berries appear?
Berries generally form in late summer and persist through fall and winter into early spring.
Is this evergreen?
No — Sparkle Winterberry Holly is deciduous and drops leaves in winter while berries remain.
How far apart should I plant pollinators?
Plant male and female hollies within about 50 feet for best pollination results.
