{"product_id":"red-sprite","title":"Red Sprite","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"pageSummary\" class=\"layoutA\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRed Sprite Winterberry Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cem\u003e(Ilex verticillata\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Red Sprite’) is a beautiful compact deciduous shrub prized for its brilliant red winter berries, naturally rounded growth habit, and exceptional seasonal interest. This dwarf selection of native Winterberry Holly produces an abundance of large, bright red berries that decorate its bare branches throughout fall and winter, creating a spectacular display when much of the landscape has gone dormant.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn late spring to early summer, Red Sprite produces small greenish-white flowers along its branches. Although relatively inconspicuous, these flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial pollinators. When pollinated by a compatible male Winterberry Holly, the flowers develop into clusters of vibrant red berries that mature in autumn.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs temperatures cool, Red Sprite's green foliage gradually turns yellow before dropping in fall. Once the leaves have fallen, the brilliant red berries become the focal point of the shrub, creating outstanding contrast against snow, evergreen foliage, and winter landscapes. The berries often persist into winter and provide an important seasonal food source for birds.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRed Sprite naturally develops a dense, rounded growth habit that remains significantly smaller than many traditional Winterberry Holly varieties. Its compact size makes it an excellent choice for foundation plantings, mixed shrub borders, mass plantings, and smaller residential landscapes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a cultivar of a species native to eastern North America, Red Sprite is especially valuable for native gardens, rain gardens, woodland edges, and wetland plantings. Its excellent tolerance of moist and periodically saturated soil makes it a dependable choice for locations where many traditional ornamental shrubs struggle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMore About Red Sprite Winterberry Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative-Species Deciduous Shrub\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompact, Rounded Growth Habit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBrilliant Red Fall and Winter Berries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLarge, Showy Berry Clusters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Winter Interest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGreen Summer Foliage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYellow Fall Foliage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall Greenish-White Spring Flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePollinator Friendly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttracts Bees and Beneficial Insects\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFemale Cultivar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRequires a Compatible Male Pollinator for Berries\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvides Winter Food for Birds\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Wet Soil Tolerance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable for Rain Gardens and Wetland Edges\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrefers Acidic Soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCold Hardy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLow Maintenance Once Established\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent for Mass Plantings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoundation Planting, Specimen, Mixed Shrub Border, Native Garden\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOutstanding Fall and Winter Interest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 3–5 Feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpread:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 3–5 Feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness Zone:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 3–9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCharacteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun Exposure:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Full Sun to Partial Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeason of Interest:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Fall, Winter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Moisture:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Average to Wet; Tolerates Seasonally Saturated Soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttributes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Native-Species Cultivar, Deciduous, Winter Berries, Wetland Tolerant, Pollinator Friendly, Bird Friendly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoliage Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Green; Yellow in Fall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Greenish-White\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerry Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bright Red\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower Fragrance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Not Significant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare \u0026amp; Maintenance Tips\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant in full sun to partial shade in acidic, moisture-retentive soil. Red Sprite performs particularly well in consistently moist locations, including rain gardens, low-lying landscape areas, and wetland edges.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlthough adaptable to average garden soils, consistent moisture is beneficial for healthy growth and reliable berry production.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor mass plantings or informal hedges, space plants approximately 3–5 feet apart, depending on the desired density and available growing space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Red Sprite prefers consistently moist soil and tolerates periods of seasonal saturation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce established, it generally requires little supplemental watering in naturally moist locations. Plants growing in drier soils should receive additional water during extended periods without rainfall.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving shrubs in early spring if needed. Incorporating compost or organic matter can help improve soil structure and moisture retention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid excessive fertilization and unnecessary lime applications, as Winterberry Holly prefers acidic soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRed Sprite naturally develops a compact, rounded shape and generally requires minimal pruning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf shaping is necessary, prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Keep in mind that pruning at this time will remove some of the branches that would otherwise produce flowers and berries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid excessive shearing, which can reduce berry production and diminish the shrub's naturally attractive form.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinter Care:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRed Sprite is exceptionally cold hardy and naturally loses its foliage each fall. Its bright red berries provide outstanding winter interest and may persist for several months, depending on weather conditions and bird activity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEstablished plants generally require little winter protection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePest Prevention:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMonitor periodically for leaf spot, scale insects, and other common holly pests. Maintain adequate soil moisture and good air circulation to support healthy growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePollination Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRed Sprite is a female cultivar and requires a compatible male Winterberry Holly for reliable berry production. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJim Dandy Winterberry Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a commonly recommended pollinator because its flowering period overlaps with Red Sprite.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant a compatible male nearby, ideally within approximately 50 feet, to encourage dependable pollination. One healthy male plant can generally pollinate several female Winterberry Hollies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hunterdon Tree and Shrub","offers":[{"title":"3 Gallon","offer_id":50699096686832,"sku":"Red Sprite","price":35.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0746\/5680\/9200\/files\/images_19_6e1f4ff0-ca6e-48c4-98a8-6340d3cefcfe.jpg?v=1793392563","url":"https:\/\/hunterdontree.com\/products\/red-sprite","provider":"Hunterdon Tree \u0026 Shrub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}