- Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread 4 - 5 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
- Use As A Thriller In Containers
If you are after a dwarf shrub that provides year-round interest, the Red Sprite Winterberry could be just what you are looking for. Also known as Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite', this compact and slow-growing winterberry is perfect for smaller gardens. With its large red berries in winter, small green-white flowers in spring, and glossy green foliage in summer, this shrub is eye-catching at all times of the year.
Remaining a neat 3 to 4 feet high, the Red Sprite Winterberry is ideally suited to growing in a border, whether on its own or in a group. It can even be used to form an informal low hedge to separate garden areas or rooms. This winterberry is tough and cold hardy to USDA zone 3. Generally, disease- and pest-free, this low-maintenance shrub can be left to pretty much fend for itself.
Red Sprite Winterberry Care
The Red Sprite Winterberry can be grown in either full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant of most soil types including clay, as long as it is acidic. This winterberry prefers moist or wet soil and can even handle some boggy conditions. As an acid-loving shrub, it can be fed with an ericaceous feed as per the manufacturer’s guidelines to keep it healthy and encourage new growth. This is a female plant and requires a male winterberry, such as Jim Dandy, Mr. Poppins, Apollo, and Little Goblin Guy, to help produce its stunning red berries.
As a slow-growing shrub, the Red Sprite Winterberry needs little pruning except for some shaping, which can be performed in early spring. This winterberry does not tolerate drought well, and thorough watering during hot and dry periods is needed.
Red Sprite Winterberry Spacing
In time, this Red Sprite Winterberry can grow to a maximum height of 3-4 feet tall with a 4-5 feet spread. For an impressive winter display, this shrub can be planted out in a group with each plant spaced 3-5 feet apart.
Red Sprite Winterberry Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 - 8 |
Plant Type: Bushes |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun (At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 3 - 4 Feet |
Mature Spread: 4 - 5 Feet |
Spacing: 3 - 5 Feet |
Habit: Upright |
Flower Color(s): White |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: Inconspicuous Spring Flowers |
Foliage Type: Deciduous |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, Winter Interest, 4 Season Interest |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Salt |
Attracts: Birds |
Container Role: Thriller |
Uses: Borders, Containers, Hedges & Privacy |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance |
Brand: Hand Pick For You |
Common Name: Red Sprite Winterberry |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite' |
- SKU:
- 1231000429-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.