Sparkleberry Deciduous Holly was produced by the U. S. National Arboretum and is actually a hybrid between our native Ilex verticillata and the Japanese Ilex serrata. It produces a great crop of red berries which will persist well into winter and sometimes on until March. It will mature at around 15'. It received the prestigious Styer Award from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in 1987. 'Apollo' is a good male pollinator. It does best in full sun to part shade. These hybrids definitely possess hybrid vigor in that they will out-grow their native parents. (Photos courtesy of Scott Arboretum, Weston Nurseries, Polly Hill Arboretum)
Zones 3-9
