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photo of Dr. Tom Ranney

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney
North Carolina, USA

LITTLE GOBLIN® Guy

Holly - Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

'NCIV3'

PP#28,937; CBR#5936

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Close up of green foliage of male pollinator Little Goblin Guy winterberry holly "}
  • Native to North America
  • Space saving
  • Dwarf and compact
Description

Male pollinator for the Little Goblin® winterberry holly series. Little Goblin® Guy is the ideal mate for an abundant crop of fruit on any of the female Little Goblin® winterberry hollies. Note: this male cultivar will not bear fruit but is essential for pollinating female varieties.

USDA Zone
3 - 9 (-40°F/-40°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
3 - 4'
Width
3 - 4'
Finish Time
1.5 seasons
Type
Deciduous
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

Soil

Does best in moist (even very moist), slightly acidic soils, but can take average soils as well. Avoid high pH sites.

Pruning

Winterberry holly blooms on old wood. However, pruning female varieties after blooming will remove any developing fruit, so pruning is not recommended except to remove entire branches in an effort to attain a specific form. Male varieties could be pruned after blooming, however, given the typically slow growth rate of winterberry hollies, pruning is not recommended for them either.

Uses

Mass plantings; hedges; cutting gardens; wildlife gardens; natural areas.

Growing Tips

One male plant will pollinate up to five females. Plant within about 50'/15.25m of one another to ensure pollination and good fruit set. Quite tolerant of shaded conditions; however, flowering and fruit set is best with at least 4 hours of sun each day.

  • Tag: Little Goblin® Guy Ilex Tag
  • Grower Sheet: Little Goblin® Guy Ilex Grower Sheet
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week October 31, 2019
  • Spec Sheet: Little Goblin® Guy Ilex Spec Sheet
  • Benchcard: Little Goblin® Guy Ilex Benchcard

    • Features: Native, Winter interest, Attracts pollinators, Deer resistant, Clay soil, Compact, Dwarf

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Winterberry, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage

    Features: Native, Winter interest, Attracts pollinators, Deer resistant, Clay soil, Compact, Dwarf

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Winterberry, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 3, USDA Zone 4, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage