Sparkleberry Winterberry is a slow-growing upright deciduous shrub with a rounded habit and luscious dark green foliage that turns yellow-green bronze in fall. As a female cultivar, Sparkleberry produces heavy amounts of glossy bright red berries if pollinated that can persist into spring. Best planted inmoist,slightly acidic well-drained soils. Hollies are dioecious and need both male and female plants to produce fruit.
Ilex verticillata is a native food source for several animals and pollinators, and acts as a host for various moths and the Henry’s Elfin Butterfly. While the wildlife enjoys the berries they are toxic to humans.
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Type: |
Shrub |
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Origins: |
Eastern N. America; north GA Native |
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Height: |
6′ – 10′ |
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Spread: |
6 – 10′ |
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Spacing: |
8 |
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USDA Hardiness Zone: |
5 – 9 |
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Culture: |
Full Sun,Part Sun |
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Bloom Color: |
White |
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Season of Interest: |
Spring,Fall,Year-Round |
MAINTENANCE NEEDS:Low Maintenance.Water regularly.Well-drained soils essential.Potential issues include mites, scale, leaf spot, rot, and mildew. Susceptible to leaf scorch or drop if not protected from afternoon sun in hotter climates.
LANDSCAPE USES: Accents or Group Plantings,Borders,Woodland Gardens,Wildlife Gardens,Privacy Screen,Foundation Plantings, Hedges, and Containers.
COMPANION PLANTS:Azalea, Camellia, Hydrangea
IMAGE:Photo by David J. Stang,Ilex verticillata Sparkleberry 2zz,CC BY-SA 4.0
