Red Sprite Holly

Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'

Nature Hills Nursery

Compact Dwarf Form Bursts with Brilliant Red Berries that Persist All Winter Long
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 3-5 ft Tall and Wide
Deer Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Butterflies

$78⁷⁵

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Out of stock

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant your Red Sprite Holly in a location that receives full sun, which means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate partial shade, you will get the best berry production and densest growth with maximum sun exposure.
Soil: This shrub thrives in rich, acidic soil that holds moisture well, often doing excellently in wet or boggy areas where other plants struggle. If your soil is heavy clay or very sandy, mix in plenty of organic compost to improve texture and moisture retention.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year while the root system is establishing itself. Once established, Red Sprite is quite tolerant of wet conditions but will suffer if the soil dries out completely, leading to leaf stress and fewer berries.

Pruning Tips

Since Red Sprite Holly blooms on old wood, the best time to prune is in early spring before new growth begins. Focus on removing dead or broken branches and lightly shaping the plant; avoid pruning later in the season or you risk cutting off the flowers that become those signature red berries.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed your holly in early spring with a slow-release, granular fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants (like Holly-tone). Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the growing season, as this can encourage tender new growth that may be damaged by winter frost.

Important Pollinator Note

Red Sprite is a female holly, meaning it needs a male pollinator nearby to produce fruit. Plant a compatible male variety, such as 'Jim Dandy' or 'Apollo', within 50 feet to ensure you get a brilliant display of red berries in winter.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Native, Flowering, Wet Soils, Clay Tolerant, Ornamental Berries/Fruit, Deer-resistant, Hedge/Screen, Attracts pollinators
Hardiness Zone	3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	3-5 ft
Width	3-5 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy, Compact
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Native	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors
Plant Name	Holly
Botanical Name	Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'
Species	verticillata
Cultivar	Red Sprite
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

The brilliant little Red Sprite Holly, also known as Winterberry, (Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite') and sometimes listed as Ilex verticillata 'Nana' RED SPRITE, Winterberry is a compact ornamental deciduous Holly bush. Hollies are the queens of the fruiting shrub world when ranked for ornamental value, and your Red Sprite is no exception. Featuring bee and pollinator-friendly white flowers in spring, but is usually hidden by the lush, compact, shiny green foliage when it emerges.

Red Sprite Holly is a dense, compact plant that produces multitudes of bright red, half-inch fruit that persists throughout the winter. A wonderful dwarf shrub, Red Sprite works in a wide range of climates around the states throughout USDA growing zones 4 to 9. Extremely attractive in the landscape, your Red Sprite Holly's lovely bright green foliage is sure to please!

These red-fruited, Winterberry Holly grow in an upright rounded habit. Birds and admirers will be flocking to the bright, shiny red berries that will be smothering this plant, but it's rarely bothered by pests and seldom severely damaged by deer.

Some yellow or bronzy fall color may occur before the leaves drop exposing the wildly abundant red berry display! Once this deciduous Holly leaves fall in the autumn, you'll be treated to the amazing bright red berries throughout the fall and winter. The fruiting branches on the bare stems are great for decoration in the garden or in the house!

Planting and Application:

Excellent as a hedge and foundation planting, these add year-round curb appeal. The berries alone in winter make Red Sprite a wonderful specimen among your winter landscape shrubs and perennial gardens! Plant a few in a naturalized area of your landscape or perhaps one at the border of a perennial bed where the winter color can pick up where the bright summer flowers left off.

Their tolerance for soggy soils makes them wonderful for along streams and water features. Plant in low areas, moist wooded edges and where the gutters drain! Plant around Rain gardens and that soggy area by the HVAC unit while hiding these more utilitarian areas of your property!

They are extensively used for decoration and cut flower bouquets around the winter holidays! When the leaves drop off your Red Sprite in late fall to expose the beautiful red berries, you'll be amazed at how decorative your plant is against the winter landscape!

Bright Green Deciduous Foliage
White Spring Flowers for Pollinators
Female Shrub - Bright Red Berries if a Male is Nearby
Red Berries Persist Through Winter - Birds Love Them!
High Ornamental Compact Dwarf Version
Floral Arrangements & Winter Décor
Great Low Hedges, Winter Interest & Specimen Hedges

#ProPlantTips For Care

Loving the full sun and even some part shade, these are adaptable to most, moist soils and even acidic or soggy soil. Red Sprite thrives in its native soggy swamps of Northeastern USA, so these naturally prefer wet soil but are adaptable to other conditions. Red Sprite matures in that 3-5 foot height and spread - the larger of this range occurs if the plant is grown in lower pH. You will find the plant very slow growing if the pH is too high (alkaline). Lightly prune after flowering if needed, or strategically harvest a few longer branches to cut for holiday decor.

You'll need both male and female plants to produce fruits for your Red Sprite. Red Sprite requires Ilex 'Jim Dandy' or Ilex 'Apollo' for pollination and berry production, so keep that in mind when acquiring a Red Sprite. One Jim Dandy male Holly or an Apollo Holly will pollinate up to 9 or 10 Red Sprites, however without a male pollinator, you may not see any fruit set.

Very Adaptable & Loves Full Sun
Moderate to Moist, Well-Drained Soil
Prune After Flowering If Needed
Use Jim Dandy or Apollo as Male Pollinators
Seldom Damaged by Deer

All in all, Red Sprite Holly is an outstanding choice for your yard for all-season interest and backyard songbirds! No wonder this is the winner of the Cary Award for landscape plants! Order Red Sprite and its male pollinator today from NatureHills.com today!

Free shipping

On all orders over $199
Plant Sentry™

Compliant guaranteed
Easy returns

Hassle free returns policy
Live Chat

Talk to a real person

Frequently Asked Questions

What male pollinators are compatible with Red Sprite Holly, like Jim Dandy or Apollo?

Red Sprite Holly requires a male winterberry pollinator like Jim Dandy or Southern Gentleman planted within 40 feet for berry production. Apollo is actually a female cultivar, so it won't provide pollen. Plant one male for every 3-6 female Red Sprites in zones 4-9.

What are the USDA hardiness zones for Red Sprite Holly?

Red Sprite Holly thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates across the United States. This compact winterberry variety handles both cold winters and warmer regions with ease. Shop at Nature Hills for this versatile shrub that works beautifully from Minnesota to Georgia.

How far away can the male pollinator be planted from Red Sprite Holly?

Male pollinators should be planted within 40-50 feet of Red Sprite Holly for reliable berry production. The closer the better, as bees typically forage in smaller areas during the spring flowering period. Plant at least one male winterberry for every 3-6 female Red Sprite plants in your landscape.

Does Red Sprite Holly grow in full sun, partial shade, or both?

Red Sprite Holly thrives in both full sun and partial shade conditions. This adaptable winterberry performs well across USDA zones 4-9 in various light exposures. For best berry production, plant in full sun to partial shade with consistent moisture.

Can Red Sprite Holly tolerate wet, boggy, or clay soils?

Red Sprite Holly thrives in wet, boggy conditions and tolerates clay soils exceptionally well. This makes it perfect for low-lying areas, stream banks, and water features where other shrubs struggle. Plant it in your wettest spots for reliable winter berry display, available at naturehills.com.

How do I prune Red Sprite Holly to maintain its shape and berry production?

Prune Red Sprite Holly in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Light pruning maintains the natural compact, rounded habit while preserving berry production on old wood. Remove only dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and avoid heavy pruning which reduces next year's berries.

What fertilizer should I use for Red Sprite Holly, and how often?

Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring before new growth begins. Red Sprite Holly typically needs minimal feeding since it's naturally vigorous in zones 4-9. Apply once annually around the base, following package rates for shrubs.

Is Red Sprite Holly suitable for small gardens or containers?

Red Sprite Holly is an excellent choice for small gardens, reaching only 3-4 feet tall and wide in its compact, rounded form. This dwarf winterberry thrives in zones 4-9 and adapts well to container growing with proper drainage. Plant it as a foundation shrub or use containers to highlight patios and entryways for winter interest.

Red Sprite Holly

Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'