Midwest Groundcovers explores strategic partnerships for Merry Christmas Holly and Peter Orum collection of proprietary Ilex genetics

Midwest Groundcovers, a family-owned wholesale nursery based in St. Charles, Illinois, announced it is evaluating strategic partnership opportunities for two related assets: its branded holiday plant program, Merry Christmas Holly, and an extensive collection of proprietary Ilex (holly) genetics developed over decades by company founder Peter Orum, who led the company for decades.

Orum, who passed away in 2024, spent much of his career pursuing a personal goal: introducing exceptional Ilex genetics from Europe into North American horticulture. Working with breeding partners in Denmark, he assembled a living collection of cold-hardy, richly berried holly selections — a body of work the company now considers part of his lasting legacy.

“Peter's dream was always to see these plants take root in North America, and our responsibility now is to make sure that work reaches its full potential,” said Christa Orum-Keller, chair of the Board of Directors of Midwest Groundcovers & Midwest Trading. “We're taking a thoughtful, measured approach to identifying the right partners who can carry his vision forward  —whether that means growing the brand, licensing the genetics or some combination of both.”

As part of this evaluation, the company has identified several potential paths forward — among them licensing select Ilex genetics to qualified nursery partners, transitioning the consumer-facing Merry Christmas Holly program to a partner with holiday retail expertise, and continuing select propagation and liner-supply collaborations.

Midwest Groundcovers expects to explore these options over time, with no fixed timeline for a decision.

The Michigan-based collection includes 40 to 50 distinct Ilex selections, among them cold-hardy rugosa × aquifolium crosses suited to USDA Zone 5, well beyond the range of traditional English holly.

The collection spans multiple growth forms and includes confirmed, red-berried female selections, supported by production know-how developed over many years of dedicated horticultural work.

Leading the initiative alongside Orum-Keller are Mary Stewart, consultant and board member, and Marc McCormack, sales and strategic consultant, who are coordinating outreach to potential partners. The effort also draws on the expertise and support of other leaders and key personnel across Midwest Groundcovers.

Midwest Groundcovers welcomes confidential conversations with qualified nursery brands, growers and strategic partners interested in learning more. Click here for more information.