- Partial Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Width 4 - 5 Feet
- Growing Zones 3 - 8
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 3-8. 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 |
| Mature 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.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
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