Ilex Magical® Amaranth Winterberry

Ilex Magical® Amaranth Winterberry is a long-lived native deciduous shrub that grows to approximately 5 feet tall and wide. A year-round beauty, it is grown for its foliage and extra-large dark red berries that encircle every long, straight branch, from the ground up.

In spring, the well-branched shrub blooms on new growth; however, the tiny greenish-white flowers are nestled amongst a lush blanket of leaves, so they're fairly inconspicuous, but they do attract pollinators to the garden, especially bees. But the real show begins in fall when leafed branches begin bursting with beautiful berries, which persist throughout winter, adding beautiful colors and textures to winter gardens and landscapes. The berried branches sustain songbirds if not harvested for floral arrangements, which make extraordinary holiday décor. But these flamboyant boughs are becoming increasingly popular for everyday displays to brighten the home, particularly when mixed with other varieties having fiery colored orange and yellow berries.

An Ilex verticillata, commonly called winterberry or winterberry holly, Magical Amaranth has an upright, rounded habit and a slow growth rate. Magical Amaranth is a female variety that produces berries if a compatible male plant is planted within pollination range. One male plant will pollinate 6 to 10 female plants. Winterberry is a great choice for a specimen in a mixed bed. Massed, it makes a fine informal hedge or shrub border. But winterberries are a must-have 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 grows easily in sunny to partly sunny locations with rich, consistently moist, well-draining soils having an acidic pH. Winterberry's natural habitat includes swamps and bogs, so it tolerates wet soils and a fair amount of shade, but neutral to alkaline soils should be avoided. 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.

A native plant, winterberry holly is indigenous to eastern North America. Native plants are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. Naturally adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the region, they thrive without fertilizers or extra watering, once established. They also act as natural pest controls, reducing the need for pesticides in the garden. Landscaping with native plants promotes biodiversity and provides shelter and quality food for wildlife and pollinators, bringing gardens to life.