Botanical profile

Ilex × 'Berri Magic'

Latin name
Ilex × 'Berri Magic'
Common name
Holly 'Berri Magic'
Type
Ornamental shrub
Family
Aquifoliaceae

Ilex × 'Berri Magic' is an ornamental hybrid holly highly valued for its abundant winter fruiting and naturally dense, structured habit. This female variety is distinguished by its evergreen dark green, lustrous, and leathery foliage, which beautifully showcases a profusion of bright red berries that persist through winter, provided a compatible male plant is present nearby. Its general habit is upright, compact, and well-branched, with a silhouette slightly taller than wide, ideal for evergreen hedges, four-season beds, and specimen plantings. Highly sought after for its strong ornamental interest in winter and its ecological role, 'Berri Magic' provides an excellent food source for birds in the cold season. Robust, decorative, and structuring, it integrates perfectly into northern gardens and sustainable landscape designs.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 4
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Moderate
Fertilization
Low to moderate, fertilizer for acid-loving shrubs
Soil type
Acid, fresh, well-drained
Minimum temperature
-35°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Spring
Flower color
Subtle creamy white
Fruiting
Decorative red berries, evergreen in winter
Foliage color
Dark glossy green
Foliage type
Persistent
Shape
Upright, dense, and well-branched shrub
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
6–8 ft (1.8–2.4 m)
Width
1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft)
Growth rate
Moderate
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.