Ilex Magical® Amaranth Winterberry is a stunning, long-lived native deciduous shrub that grows to approximately 5 feet tall and wide. This year-round beauty is prized for its lush foliage and extra-large dark red berries that encircle every long, straight branch from the ground up.
In spring, this well-branched shrub blooms on new growth with tiny greenish-white flowers that are nestled among the dense leaves. While these flowers are fairly inconspicuous, they attract pollinators, especially bees, to the garden. The real show begins in fall when the branches become adorned with beautiful berries, which persist throughout winter. These vibrant berries add striking color and texture to winter gardens and landscapes, making the plant a focal point even in the coldest months. The berries also sustain songbirds if not harvested for floral arrangements, which are popular for holiday décor and everyday displays, especially when mixed with other varieties featuring fiery orange and yellow berries.
Ilex verticillata, commonly known as winterberry or winterberry holly, has an upright, rounded habit and a slow growth rate. Magical Amaranth is a female variety that produces berries if a compatible male is planted within pollination range. One male plant can pollinate 6 to 10 female plants. This shrub is ideal as a specimen in a mixed bed, and when massed, it creates a fine informal hedge or shrub border. Winterberries are essential in naturalized plantings where the berries not only add winter interest but also provide food for birds and small mammals.
Cold hardy to Zone 4, Magical Amaranth thrives in sunny to partly sunny locations with rich, consistently moist, well-draining soils that have an acidic pH. Winterberry's natural habitat includes swamps and bogs, so it tolerates wet soils and a fair amount of shade. However, it should be avoided in neutral to alkaline soils. Although little to no pruning is required, any desired pruning should be done in early spring, after the last frost but just before new growth emerges. Winterberry holly is deer resistant, adding to its low-maintenance appeal.
As a native plant indigenous to eastern North America, winterberry holly is not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the region's climate and soil conditions, it thrives without the need for fertilizers or extra watering once established. Winterberries also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity, providing shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, and bringing gardens to life.
