Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

2 other cultivars

shrub

Dragon Lady Holly

Ilex x hybrida 'Magiana'

The Story

Plant Bio

This hybrid holly (*Ilex aquifolium* x *Ilex pernyi*) is known for its dense, columnar form and spiny, glossy dark green leaves. It is a female clone that requires a male pollinator to produce its signature red berries.

'Magiana', or Dragon Lady, is prized for its narrow, upright, pyramidal shape, making it excellent for hedges, screens, or tight spaces. Its foliage is particularly spiny and lustrous, providing a strong architectural element.

Uses & Benefits:

Its tight, columnar form provides a strong vertical element in the landscape, perfect for formal gardens, framing entryways, or as a dramatic focal point. The glossy, spiny leaves and bright red winter berries are highly decorative.

Dragon Lady is an excellent choice for creating a narrow, dense privacy screen or hedge where space is limited. Its spiny leaves also make it an effective security or barrier planting.

The inconspicuous spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The bright red berries, which persist through winter, provide a vital food source for birds like cedar waxwings and robins.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180 inches

Width

60 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Hybrid origin

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a location with full sun and well-drained, acidic soil.
Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball.
Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the root flare is at soil level.
Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture, but keep it from the trunk.

Pro Tip

For a heavy berry set, plant one male 'Blue Prince' or 'Blue Stallion' holly within 50 feet to ensure pollination.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide full sun for the densest growth and best berry production.
Water deeply during extended periods of drought.
Prune in late winter to maintain its formal shape.
Plant a suitable male pollinator nearby for berries.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained or consistently wet soils.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which leads to sparse growth.
Don't forget to wear gloves; the leaves are very sharp.
Avoid heavy fertilization, which can burn the roots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Architectural vertical accentFormal evergreen privacy screenDramatic entryway specimen

Companion Plants

Ilex 'Blue Prince'Buxus sempervirens Juniperus scopulorum 'Skyrocket'Viburnum Miscanthus sinensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Dragon Lady Holly questions

What zones can Dragon Lady Holly grow in?

Dragon Lady Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 6–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Dragon Lady Holly deer resistant?

Yes — Dragon Lady Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Dragon Lady Holly bloom?

Dragon Lady Holly typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Dragon Lady Holly need full sun?

Dragon Lady Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Dragon Lady Holly drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Dragon Lady Holly handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.