Garden hybrid

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

16 other cultivars

shrub

Acadiana Holly

Ilex x hybrida 'Magiana'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex 'Magiana', sold as Acadiana, is an evergreen hybrid holly selected from an open-pollinated seedling of 'Mary Nell'. It has dense, upright pyramidal growth, dark green serrated leaves and orange-red fruit.

Acadiana develops a broad pyramidal crown. The original cultivar patent describes mature plants 15–20 feet tall and 12–15 feet wide; allow space rather than treating it as a narrow column.

Uses & Benefits:

Glossy dark green foliage and orange-red berries provide seasonal interest on a pyramidal evergreen holly.

An evergreen specimen or broad privacy screen where there is room for a mature pyramidal crown.

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"

Width

180"

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

Allow ample room for the mature pyramidal crown. Ask a local nursery about compatible pollen-producing hollies if reliable fruiting is a priority.

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

Buxus sempervirens Juniperus scopulorum Viburnum Miscanthus sinensis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Acadiana Holly questions

What zones can Acadiana Holly grow in?

Acadiana 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 Acadiana Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Acadiana Holly bloom?

Acadiana 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 Acadiana Holly need full sun?

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

Is Acadiana Holly drought tolerant?

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