Mark A. Miller
Family
Aquifoliaceae
Botanical Name
Ilex 'Sparkleberry'
Plant Common Name
Hybrid Deciduous Holly, Sparkleberry Holly, Winterberry
General Description
The popular cultivar ‘Sparkleberry’ is renowned for its heavy loads of bright red berries that brighten the fall and winter landscape. This tall, deciduous holly is a hybrid of winterberry (Ilex verticillata) and finetooth holly ( I. serrata).
In mid-spring its new foliage emerges with burgundy-purple hues and quickly changes to glossy medium green. By late spring the branches of this female holly become covered with very small white flowers that are pollinated by bees. For pollination and fruit set, a male-flowered cultivar is needed. The preferred male cultivar for ‘Sparkleberry’ is 'Apollo.’ Up to four or five 'Sparkleberry' shrubs can be effectively fertilized by one male. In the fall, the foliage turns yellow-hues before falling. The pretty berries mature to bright red by late fall and remain pretty through winter until they are eaten by hungry birds.
This holly accepts most soils but prefers slightly acid loam. It grows well in full or partial sun and will tolerate drought and summer heat well once established. It is a cold-hardy plant that is perfect for large containers or mixed borders. It is equally beautiful if planted on the edges of trees or in informal hedgerows and its pretty boughs can be cut and enjoyed indoors for holiday decorating.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 4
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USDA Hardiness Zone
5 - 9
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
10'-15' / 3.0m - 4.6m
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Width
10'-12' / 3.0m - 3.7m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring
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Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Average
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Wet Site, Drought
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Red, Crimson
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Bark Color
Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
