Sparkle Berry Winterberry Holly

Sparkle Berry Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata 'Sparkle Berry')

Sparkle Berry Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata 'Sparkle Berry') is a vigorous female cultivar known for its profuse display of large, bright red berries that persist well into winter. A hybrid of Ilex verticillata and Ilex serrata, it combines ornamental beauty with excellent adaptability, serving as a bold focal point and reliable fruiting shrub in seasonal landscapes.

Distinctive Features

'Sparkle Berry' reaches 8 to 10 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide with an upright, arching habit. Its dark green foliage provides a lush backdrop during the growing season, while clusters of red berries light up the landscape after leaf drop. This cultivar is especially valued for its long-lasting berries and slightly looser habit, which gives it a more naturalized look in informal settings.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Moist, acidic soil; tolerant of clay and seasonally wet conditions
• Water: Moderate to high; thrives with consistent moisture
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3�9

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: Arching habit and vivid berries provide standout winter interest
• Naturalized Plantings: Fits well in woodland edges and native gardens
• Wildlife Gardens: Berries attract birds and support pollinators
• Seasonal Screens: Can be planted in rows for privacy and seasonal structure
• Cut Branches: Popular in winter arrangements and holiday decorations

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry periods
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to remove older stems or to shape as needed
• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in spring
• Mulching: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Pollination: Requires a male pollinator such as Ilex verticillata 'Apollo'

Why Choose Sparkle Berry Winterberry Holly?

• Striking Winter Color: Large red berries remain vibrant through the coldest months
• Vigorous Growth: Strong performance and dense branching over time
• Hybrid Vigor: Offers both ornamental beauty and ecological resilience
• Wildlife Value: Provides food and shelter in native plant settings
• Focal Point: A commanding presence in naturalized and seasonal landscapes

Ilex verticillata 'Sparkle Berry' brings robust structure and vibrant winter color to the garden, making it a reliable and eye-catching choice for landscapes that value beauty, wildlife support, and seasonal flair.