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Abundant clusters of bright orange berries on an upright, rounded shrub

Ilex verticillata Magical® Daydream

Acclaimed for its abundant clusters of bright orange fruit, Magical® Daydream brings a new appreciation of our beloved eastern North American native, commonly referred to as “winterberry”. With an upright, rounded habit, dark-green leaves warm to coppery gold in the fall before dropping to expose the ample berries, which persist from early fall into winter, and provide substantial winter interest and nourishment for wildlife.

Acclaimed for its abundant clusters of bright orange fruit, Magical® Daydream brings a new appreciation of our beloved eastern North American native, commonly referred to as “winterberry”. With an upright, rounded habit, dark-green leaves warm to coppery gold in the fall before dropping to expose the ample berries, which persist from early fall into winter, and provide substantial winter interest and nourishment for wildlife. An easy plant to site, winterberries are adaptable to most soils, but prefer moist, organic loams that are on the acidic side—the perfect choice for naturalized settings. As an added bonus, long, straight stems laden with orange fruit can be cut for flower arrangements, filling your living spaces both inside and out with color.

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® Daydream is a female holly. Winterberries need one male pollinator for 10 females to provide adequate pollination. Use ‘Southern Gentleman’ as the male.

Please note: We don't sell plants. Asking your local retailer or googling the plant name is the easiest way to find someone selling our plants.

Please note: Download hi-res photos from the photo gallery at the bottom of the page.


Who Am I?

  • Common Name

    Magical®️ Daydream winterberry holly
  • Botanical Name

    Ilex verticillata ‘Kolcaroda’
  • Type

    Shrub
  • US Native?

    YES
  • Bloom Time

    Spring
  • Bloom Color

    White
  • Fruit Time

    Fall to winter
  • Fruit Color

    Orange

Cultural Details

  • Bloom Time

    Spring
  • Size

    6-8' tall by 6-8' wide
  • Hardiness Zone

    4-9
  • Light

    Full sun to part shade
  • Soil

    Average garden soil
  • Moisture

    Moist, but well drained
  • Disease & Pests

    None known
  • Landscape Use

    Cut flowers, mixed plantings, poor soils, wet areas, woodland gardens
  • Propagation

    Cuttings
  • 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.

Available Photos

Hover over images to download hi-res files.