Holly, Little Goblin Red #3
Little Goblin Red Winterberry Holly
Ilex verticillata 'Little Goblin'
Height: Typically 3–4 feet tall in Michigan’s cooler climate
Spread: Approximately 3–4 feet wide
Spacing: Plant 3–4 feet apart for a dense, uniform display
Growth Rate: Slow
Deciduous
Description
Little Goblin Red Winterberry Holly offers a delightful burst of winter color with its brilliant, tart red berries that persist on bare, sculpted branches after the leaves drop. This compact, deciduous shrub features small, glossy green leaves that form a tidy, rounded habit perfectly suited for Michigan’s cooler conditions. Its striking berries provide a stunning textural contrast in the landscape, making it an inspiring focal point for borders, hedges, or container plantings.
General Care
- Sunlight: Thrives in full sun to partial sun
- Watering: Water regularly after planting to establish a deep root system; once established, needs little additional watering except during extended dry periods
- Mulching: Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to conserve moisture and stabilize soil temperature
- Pruning: Trim only dead or damaged branches in early spring to maintain its compact form
- Pollination: As a dioecious species, plant a male pollinator (one male for every 3–5 females) to ensure abundant berry production
Native to the United States, Little Goblin Red Winterberry Holly is a low-maintenance, ornamental shrub that refreshes your landscape with its vibrant winter display and enduring textural interest.
