In the realm of winterberries, 'Magical Showtime' is a veritable fireworks display in the bleakest of months. While its summer foliage is unremarkably green, come autumn it sheds its leafy cloak to reveal a spectacle of cherry-red berries, clustered so tightly along the branches you'd think the shrub was actually magic. This low-maintenance cultivar stands a mere three to four feet in stature and proves that good things indeed come in small packages—perfect for short hedging and border plantings. It's a godsend for rain gardens and pollinator havens, not to mention a boon for birds seeking a midwinter snack. But let's not forget its service to us humans – cut a few berry-laden branches and you'll have a festive, natural decoration that puts those plastic baubles to shame. This femme fatale needs a male suitor nearby to set fruit. One chap like 'Southern Gentleman' can provide for up to five ladies – quite the horticultural Casanova, wouldn't you say?
Conditions: Full sun to part sun; moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet, boggy conditions
Size: 3’-4’ tall, 3’-4’ wide
Zone: 4 - 9
Wildlife Value: Flowers attract pollinators; berries feed birds and other wildlife; larval host plant for Henry's Elfin and Pawpaw Sphinx
Photo: Samantha Nestory