Ilex verticillata Magical® Showtime
A compact plant—ideal for small spaces
When we think about winterberry hollies, we often imagine the treasured eastern North American native: a large shrub with a broad base for planting in naturalized areas—celebrated for birds to nest in and the vibrant red berries they later feast on in the fall. Magical® Showtime will transform the way you think about our beloved North American native! A mere 3-4’ tall, this compact variety will fit into smaller spaces, with a much closer proximity to the garden path. Finally, a winterberry you can plant in numbers to add bright, orange-red color to your outdoor living spaces - just in time for the holidays. Yes, be sure to plant enough for decorating—long lasting cuts will keep indoors and out for weeks without water!
Notes: cuts can be used dry—they’ll keep indoors for several weeks—no need to keep them in water. Tolerant of many soil types, this plant thrives in wet areas, providing nesting opportunities and forage for birds. Magical® Showtime is a female holly. Winterberries need one male pollinator for 10 females to provide adequate pollination. Use ‘Southern Gentleman’ as the male.
Cultural Details
TYPE
U.S. NATIVE
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Full sun to part shade
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Average garden soil
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Moist, but well drained
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4-9
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Spring
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White
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Fall to winter
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Orange-Red
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3-4' tall by 4' wide
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None known
What Makes Me Special?
Landscape Use
Pruning
Prune winterberry hollies in late winter to encourage more fruit production. To have maximum fruit each year, plant several plants and cut half of them one year and the rest the nest.
Propagation
Your Host
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