New England Wild Flower Society

Printed at http://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/index.cfm/

Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'

dwarf winterberry

Few shrubs can beat female winterberries for fall fruit display, which persists into winter, to the delight of local birds. Though winterberry is fairly common in the wild, 'Red Sprite' is a useful dwarf female cultivar for smaller spaces, pollinated by male dwarf cultivar 'Jim Dandy' or wildtype males. 

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Height: 3-4 ft
Spread: 2-4 ft
Hardiness Zone: 3-9


Bloom Color: White

Characteristics & Attributes

Cultivation Status
• Cultivar
Exposure
• Sun
• Part Shade
Soil Moisture
• Average
• Wet
Ecoregion
• Not Ecotypic in New England
Ornamental Interest
• Fall/Winter Fruit
• Summer Bloom
Attracts Wildlife
• Attracts Bees
• Other Pollinators/Wildlife
Additional Attributes
• Low Maintenance
• Dioecious (fruits only on female plants)
Landscape Use
• Naturalize
• Hedge/screening
• Massing
• Rain Garden
• Specimen
Attractive Fall Foliage and/or Ornamental Fruit
• Red Fruit


North American Distribution


dwarf winterberry - Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite' from Native Plant Trust