WINTERBERRY HOLLY

Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'

COLLECTION

Holly Walk

FAMILY

Aquifoliaceae

PLANT TYPE

Shrub, Deciduous

ZONE

3-9

CULTURE

Native to swampy areas of the Eastern United States, Ilex verticillata prefer a moist, acidic soil with good organic matter. Plant in full sun for the best fruiting set. It requires a male pollinator; the ‘Jim Dandy’ cultivar is the best.

NOTEWORTHY CHARACTERISTICS

As one of the more compact cultivars of Ilex verticillata, ‘Red Sprite’ grows 3 to 5 feet wide, has lustrous dark green leaves and large 3/8 inch red fruit. A true show stopper in the winter landscape.

PROBLEMS

None

GARDEN USES

Used in mass planting or as a focal point in a foundation planting.

HISTORY

‘Red Sprite’ was installed as an informal hedge as part of the 2014 Holly Walk renovation.