2002 Theodore Klein Plant Award Winner
by Winston C. Dunwell

Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite'

is a compact habit deciduous holly that grows 3-5 feet. In a moist well-drained location a 5 year old plant is 40 inches tall by 30 inches wide. The fruit is relatively large to ½ inch in diameter. The pollinators listed for this plant are 'Jim Dandy' and 'Apollo' with 'Jim Dandy' being the more commonly used because it blooms in the early part of the 'Red Sprite' bloom period ('Apollo' blooms in the later part) and it shares the 'Red Sprite' compact growth characteristic. If 'Raritan Chief' is available it blooms the same season and length of season as 'Red Sprite'. In addition to the Theodore Klein Plant Award Ilex verticilatta 'Red Sprite' was recognized by the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association Plant Selection Committee.