ILEX VER SPARKLEBERRY

ILEX VER SPARKLEBERRY
Grower Notes:

Ilex verticillata 'Sparkleberry' is commonly referred to as Sparkleberry Winterberry Holly. It is a cross between Ilex serrata and Ilex verticillata. It is a slow-growing, multi-stemmed, upright deciduous female holly with large persistent red berries in fall and winter. It has a rounded habit with small white flowers and dark green foliage that turns yellow-green bronze in fall. This variety is female so it will produce heavy amounts of glossy bright red berries if pollinated with a late male species such as Ilex: 'Apollo', 'Southern Gentleman' or 'Raritan'. Winterberries are a great food source for several animals and pollinators. While wildlife enjoys the berries, they are toxic to humans.

Sparkleberry Winterberry Holly thrives in full to partial sun in slightly acidic, fertile, moist, well-drained soils. Excellent year round interest with a very showy winter display. Best in woodland margins, shrub borders and foundation plantings.