Why Plant 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 Red Sprite Winterberry 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.
Planting Zones
Hardiness Zone: 3-9
How To Plant Red Sprite Winterberry
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.
How Does Shipping Work?
Bower & Branch Trees, the real BIG trees, don’t fit in a box! Our big trees, sizes XL and bigger, require expert delivery and care, that means our extra-large trees are shipped on Bower & Branch trucks. We are the only ones who know how to ship our big and bigger trees and plants with tender loving care. We deliver your trees and plants directly to you. Ask Bower & Branch about planting services – we'd be happy to assist in installation.
*For Big trees and Shrubs, Size XL and bigger: Review our Seasonal Shipping Timelines and Policy here.
Your trees and plants are grown across the United States at various Bower & Branch Growers. Depending on your location, your plant orders may be shipped from various locations. Please expect orders with multiple items to be delivered over a number of days as a result. Orders made up of numerous items or selections will not arrive at your home on the same day.
Shipping Delays:
From time to time, Bower & Branch Growers may determine to delay order shipment based on various factors for plant health. Weather in your region, as well as, where your plants are grown, is always considered when shipping. Extreme weather conditions may delay some or all of your order. Bower & Branch allows our Growers to make final shipping decisions based solely to benefit your trees and plants’ health and success.
How Does Sizing Work?
The size of our trees have nothing to do with the container size like you may find elsewhere–big doesn't mean just height - it’s also vigor, age, and overall health. Other online retailers are going to tell you that a plant is a seven gallon, that means nothing to your tree or plant (or you.)
Our trees for sale online are graded on large, x-large, and even bigger sizes. This is because our trees are sized by their age—the higher the letter, the more mature the tree. The age determines the trees’ overall height, size of the trunk and the overall branch density.
All of these characteristics are what you should be looking for when choosing a tree for immediate impact and instant curb appeal. Our extra-large tree and plant sizes are sure to wow you and your neighbors!
See the size guides below.
