Red Sprite Winterberry - Holiday

Holiday Red Sprite Winterberry features dazzling red berries on compact branches that stand only three to five feet tall. Also known as Ilex verticillata ‘Red Sprite,’ this deciduous shrub brightens the winter months after its glossy green leaves drop. Its bold-colored berries endure long into the cold season, making it the perfect accent for foundation plantings, borders, or seasonal décor. Gardeners appreciate Red Sprite’s small stature and abundant fruit set, giving it an advantage over other larger or less showy winterberries.

Live holiday greenery offers a natural charm that artificial decorations simply can’t match, and it helps minimize waste by thriving well beyond the festive season. This holly doubles as a thoughtful gift because recipients can enjoy its cheer indoors, then relocate it to the garden once temperatures rise. It also supports local bird populations as the berries become an important food source after the holidays. The compact growth makes it easy to bring indoors, creating a refreshing reminder of nature during the coldest days of winter.

Holiday Red Sprite Winterberry Care

Set your plant in a bright spot where it can receive a few hours of sunlight each day, and keep the soil moderately moist without allowing excess water to pool in the container. A cool indoor environment helps preserve the berries and foliage, so consider keeping it away from direct heat sources. If leaves drop early, don’t worry—it’s normal for this deciduous holly to shed foliage while maintaining its classic red fruits.

Once spring temperatures hold steady above freezing, gradually introduce your Red Sprite to outdoor conditions over a period of several days. Choose a spot with full to partial sun and moist, slightly acidic soil, then dig a hole that accommodates the root ball, placing the top at ground level. Backfill and water thoroughly, making sure to site a compatible male pollinator, such as Jim Dandy Winterberry, nearby for reliable berry production. Adequate watering through the first growing season helps establish a sturdy root system and guarantees brilliant color for years to come.

Holiday Red Sprite Winterberry Information