Showtime Winterberry

Light Needs

Part Shade to Full Sun

(3+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

The Showtime Winterberry (Ilex verticillata Magical® Showtime 'Kolmasho') is not your average Holly bush. Its soft, dark-green leaves are deciduous, dropping in the fall to exposed lush, cherry-red berries clustered closely to its branches, causing this shrub to stand out amongst the barren winter landscape. These branches can be trimmed and used in holiday decor or left to feed the birds and wildlife through the winter. Another benefit of the Showtime Winterberry is its compact size, maturing to about 3-4 feet tall and wide.

The size of the Showtime Winterberry allows for some flexibility when planting in a garden bed, as a low-growing hedge, or in a large container. This compact native shrub is low-maintenance and takes little more care than regular watering in the hottest months. An important note about the Showtime Winterberry is that it is a female plant, unable to pollinate with itself in order to produce its prized red berries. For this reason, plant a male plant such as the ‘Mr. Poppins’, ‘Little Goblin Guy’, or ‘Jim Dandy’ near Showtime. The male plant will not produce berries, but one male plant can pollinate up to five female Winterberries.

Showtime Winterberry Care

Plant the Showtime Winterberry in a spot that receives a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight a day. Without adequate light, plants may not produce as many flowers, which would take away from their beautiful berry show in the fall and winter. Winterberries prefer soil that is well-draining and evenly moist, especially when it is blooming and producing berries. Adding a thick layer of mulch around these plants can help keep their roots moist. The Showtime Winterberry can be fertilized in the spring with a tree and shrub fertilizer. 

Winterberries are not tolerant of being trimmed and shaped like the average hedge. While hedges are typically trimmed after blooming, doing so to the Winterberry will result in a loss of berries. Because these plants bloom on old wood, trimming earlier in the year would result in a loss of flowers, and therefore berries. Instead, allow the Showtime Winterberry to grow to its natural shape and size, selectively removing branches if desired for use in floral arrangements and decor. 

Showtime Winterberry Spacing

When looking to create a Winterberry hedge, place each plant about 3-4 feet from the next. When planted alone, allow enough room for the Showtime Winterberry to reach its natural size with about 2 feet of clearance around the whole plant. Plant an appropriate male plant anywhere under fifty feet fromShowtime to ensure pollination.

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