Red Sprite Winterberry is a hardy, deciduous plant that produces bright red berries. Grown in 1-gallon containers, it thrives in growing zones 3-9.
Red Sprite Winterberry
Red Sprite Winterberry (Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite') is a beautiful and hardy deciduous shrub that is known for its abundant production of bright red berries in the fall and winter. It is a popular choice for home gardens due to its attractive appearance, ease of care, and ability to tolerate a variety of growing conditions.
Red Sprite Winterberry typically grows to a height of 3-5 feet and a width of 3-4 feet. It has an upright, rounded habit and glossy, dark green leaves. The flowers are produced in clusters on the tips of the branches in the spring, but they are inconspicuous and not showy. The berries are produced in abundance in the fall and winter and are about 1/4 inch in diameter. They are a bright red color and persist on the plant throughout the winter, providing food for birds and other wildlife.
Red Sprite Winterberry is relatively low-maintenance. It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established. Water Red Sprite Winterberry regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Fertilize it once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Red Sprite Winterberry is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. It can be planted as a specimen plant, in groups, or in borders. It is also a good choice for growing in containers. Red Sprite Winterberry can also be used to create hedges and screens.
Here are some additional tips for growing Red Sprite Winterberry:
- Prune Red Sprite Winterberry in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased wood and to shape the plant as desired.
- Mulch around Red Sprite Winterberry to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Protect Red Sprite Winterberry from deer and rabbits, which may damage the foliage.
With proper care, Red Sprite Winterberry can thrive for many years to come and add a touch of beauty and year-round interest to your landscape.
Please note that Red Sprite Winterberry is a dioecious plant, meaning that there are separate male and female plants. In order to produce berries, a female plant must be pollinated by a male plant. It is recommended to plant one male plant for every 8-10 female plants.
Note: The plant is shipped in its pot, firmly secured with several layers of clear tape, thereby avoiding any shuffling and moving during transit. The plant reaches you with minimal damage- very safe and secure. We have been shipping plants like this for several years (plant are sometimes shipped in smaller pots for safety and ease of shipping). Most plants go dormant in fall and winter and will lose most of their leaves - looking dead and dry - very normal. They will flush out in spring.
We cannot send ship some plants and some sizes to California due to restrictions placed by department of agriculture.
Growing Zones: 3-9 outdoors
| Mature Height: | 6-8 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full-Partial |
| Mature width: | 6-8 ft |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Botanical Name: | Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red' |
