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photo of Dr. Tom Ranney

Meet the Breeder

Dr. Tom Ranney
North Carolina, USA

LITTLE GOBLIN® Red

Holly - Winterberry

Ilex verticillata

'NCIV1'

USPP 27,109; CBR 5716

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Compact fruiting Little Goblin Red winterberry holly in landscape Trio of branches covered in extra large red Little Goblin Red winterberries Large red Little Goblin Red winterberries on male hand to show fruit scale
  • Native to North America
  • Colorful in winter
  • Compact habit
Description

Extra-big berries on a dwarf plant. Little Goblin® Red winterberry is a tetraploid selection, which ensures extra big and abundant red berries on a dwarf plant. Its compact size makes it ideal for residential landscapes. For berries on this female selection, a male pollinator is required; use Little Goblin® Guy winterberry holly. Fruit is not edible.

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, fruit set is best with at least 4 hours of sun each day.

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

    • Features: Cut flower, 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: Cut flower, 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