Growth Facts
- Hardiness Zone: 3-9
- Mature Height: 2.5-3 ft
- Mature Width: 2.5-3 ft
- Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade
- Spacing: 2.5-3 ft
Why the Red Sprite Winterberry?
Winter has never looked brighter than when Red Sprite Winterberry is planted and the bright red berries are glowing in the sunlight. Birds will rejoice once they see the tasty red berries and will be sure to visit Red Sprite time and again until the berries are gone, providing you a chance to bird watch from your own window! A nice, formal winterberry, Red Sprite will make a great foundation for any landscape. Create an endearing mixed border and pair up Red Sprite and Jim Dandy to create a nice winterberry hedge.
Native to America, the winterberry (Ilex verticillata) is a native shrub that can be found as far north as Newfoundland to as far south as Alabama. Winterberry shrubs are commonly found growing in swamps, along streambeds, and even in damp woodlands. Red Sprite originated out of a nursery in Indiana named the Simpson Nursery Company and was bred by Robert Simpson. At first named 'Nana,' Red Sprite did not achieve it's name until it was officially registered when the shrub was renamed 'Red Sprite.'
How to use in the landscape?
Red Sprite is surprisingly not evergreen, but deciduous and keeps it's bright red berries even after the leaves have fallen. During the growing season, Red Sprite has glossy green leaves that maintain a compact form. In the fall, the glossy foliage turn yellow and in some instances red. Before becoming berries, the red trinkets are actually dainty white flowers that mix in with the glossy foliage to then become the signature red holly berries we know and love. Please do not eat the berries, though, those small fruits are toxic.
Why Bower & Branch?
We do the hard part. Our trees and plants are grown and cared for by only the best, local growers for years before they find their forever home in your landscape. Bower & Branch is known for having hard-to-find, substantial sizes and selection. The quality of our trees and plants are consistent in health and vigor—always ready for immediate impact in your garden and instant curb appeal. We believe in empowering homeowners with the truth about strong, healthy and structurally sound plants that are grown to perform in the ground after they leave the nursery for home delivery, always fresh inventory from the grower
Growth Facts
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
Mature Height: 2.5-3' tall
Mature Width: 2.5-3' wide
Exposure: Full Sun/Part Shade
Spacing: 2.5-3' apart
How To Plant
Plant Red Sprite in a location where it can receive full sun or part shade, some full shade will not hurt this winterberry but the shade should not be constant. The soil should be of moist consistency and also acidic, however Red Sprite does tolerate standard garden soil but be sure that the soil is not too dry. Pests and diseases are minimal and no special pruning will be required for this winterberry. For the best berry production, plant a Jim Dandy Winterberry nearby for cross pollination.
How To Fertilize
Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
How Does Shipping Work?
Size AA & AAA (our Treelings, Shrubs, Bushes, and Perennials) will be shipped directly to your home by a common carrier. Ships in a plant-safe designed box within 5-7 business days.
Our Guarantees
90 DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE:
Bower & Branch guarantees customer satisfaction within all product groups and sizes. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the product or experience, you have 90 days from the original date of purchase to request a replacement of the purchased product(s).
How?
Reach out to a Plant Whisperer:
- Email: plantwhisperers@bowerandbranch.com - Phone: 866-873-3888 - Or via Online Chat
