Ilex verticillata 'Sparkleberry' ~ Sparkleberry Winterberry

Ilex verticillata 'Sparkleberry' ~ Sparkleberry WinterberrySparkleberry 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 in moist, slightly acidic well drained soils. Hollies are dioecious and need both male and female plants to produce fruit. Ilex verticillata is a

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 in moist,  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.

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