Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite' is a compact deciduous holly known for its vibrant red berries that persist well into winter providing striking seasonal interest and vital food for wildlife. This female cultivar requires a nearby male pollinator such as 'Jim Dandy' to produce fruit. Its dense upright form and adaptability to wet soils make it a top choice for rain gardens, borders, and naturalized landscapes.
Height & Spread: 3 - 5 ft x 3 - 5 ft
Bloom Time: Late spring (berries appear in fall and persist through winter)
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist to wet, acidic soil; tolerant of clay
Watering Needs: Moderate to wet; thrives in consistently moist conditions
Deer Resistance: Generally deer resistant, though young plants may be browsed
Native Status
Native to eastern North America including wetlands and swamp edges. Ilex verticillata plays an important ecological role in native plant communities and supports wildlife year round.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Fall and winter berries are relished by American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Bluebirds and other songbirds.
Bees
- Attracts small native bees such as Andrena and Halictid species when flowering in spring.
Butterflies
- Provides nectar for spring butterflies like Eastern Tiger Swallowtails and Red Admirals.
Beneficial Insects
- Supports predatory wasps and beetles which find shelter in its branching habit.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 4 - 6 ft apart to accommodate mature spread and allow cross pollination when paired with a male cultivar.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for rain gardens, foundation plantings, low hedges, and winter focal points in mixed borders or naturalized settings.
Companion Plants
- Chasmanthium latifolium (Northern Sea Oats) - Adds graceful movement and winter seed heads that balance berry heavy branches.
- Cornus sericea (Red Twig Dogwood) - Winter red stems echo berry color while offering contrast in form and texture.
- Viburnum dentatum 'Blue Muffin' - Compact native viburnum with blue fruits and red fall foliage complements holly’s red berries.
- Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge) - Thrives in moist soils and provides fine texture beneath holly’s upright form.
- Itea virginica 'Little Henry' - Arching form and red fall foliage extend seasonal interest around holly plantings.