Ilex x hybrida 'Magland'
shrub

Magland Oakland Holly

Ilex x hybrida 'Magland'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hybrid hollies are bred to combine desirable traits like hardiness, form, and foliage from different parent species. They are typically broadleaf evergreens valued for their structure and winter interest.

Sold as OAKLAND holly, 'Magland' is unique for its dense, pyramidal form and glossy, oak-shaped, medium-green leaves. It requires minimal pruning and produces ornamental red berries without a separate pollinator.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides year-round structure and color with its dense, evergreen foliage. The unique oak-leaf shape adds textural interest, and the red berries provide a festive winter display.
Practical UsesIts dense, upright growth makes it an ideal choice for creating a 'living wall' for privacy, a sound barrier, or a windbreak. It requires very little pruning.
Ecological BenefitsThe berries offer a valuable food source for birds like cedar waxwings, mockingbirds, and robins during the winter months when other food is scarce.
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

216 inches

Width

156 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived evergreen shrub/tree

Native To

Hybrid origin

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Late spring

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 1 month of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a site with full sun to part shade and acidic soil.
  2. Dig a hole two to three times wider than the root ball.
  3. Amend soil with compost or pine bark fines for acidity.
  4. Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
  5. Backfill the hole and water thoroughly to settle the soil.
  6. Mulch with pine straw or bark to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Requires little to no pruning to maintain its natural pyramidal shape, making it very low-maintenance.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Plant in acidic, well-drained soil.
  • Provide supplemental water during establishment and droughts.
  • Use an acid-forming fertilizer if leaves show signs of chlorosis.
  • Mulch to protect the shallow root system.

Don't

  • Do not plant in alkaline or poorly drained soil.
  • Avoid letting the root ball dry out completely in its first year.
  • Do not prune heavily unless you are intentionally shaping a formal hedge.
  • Do not pile mulch against the trunk.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Stately evergreen specimenExcellent privacy hedge or screenFormal foundation planting

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Magland Oakland Holly questions

What zones can Magland Oakland Holly grow in?

Magland Oakland Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Magland Oakland Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Magland Oakland Holly bloom?

Magland Oakland 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 Magland Oakland Holly need full sun?

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

Keep exploring

Grow Magland Oakland Holly with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.