Little Goblin® Red Winterberry Holly - Holiday

Light Needs

Partial Sun to Full Sun

(At Least 5 Hours of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 9

• Partial Shade to Full Sun (3+ Hours Direct Sunlight)
• USDA Hardiness Zones 3 - 9
• Height 3 - 5 Feet
• Spread 3 - 5 Feet

Little Goblin® Red Winterberry Holly delights with its oversized, rich-red berries perched on a compact, three-to-five-foot shrub. Officially known as Ilex verticillata ‘NCIV1,’ this deciduous holly flaunts green foliage during the warmer months before shedding leaves to expose a dazzling display of red berries. Compared to larger varieties, its dwarf form makes it perfect for tight spaces while still delivering abundant color. This reliable show-stopper also tolerates boggy areas, setting it apart from other hollies that struggle in wet soil.

A live holly offers a lasting alternative to disposable ornaments. Its holiday-ready stems can be clipped for festive décor, and the entire plant transitions to an outdoor spot once the weather warms. Bird enthusiasts love that the berries provide nourishment to local wildlife, turning your holiday centerpiece into a backyard habitat come spring. Presented as a thoughtful gift, it grants ongoing beauty instead of a short-lived decoration.

Holiday Little Goblin® Red Winterberry Holly Care

Place this dwarf holly in a moderately cool indoor spot with consistent bright lighting, and keep the soil evenly moist without overwatering. Remove any broken or weak stems if necessary, but avoid major pruning that might reduce berry display. Its lush berries develop on old wood, so preserving the existing stems is key to a spectacular show.

When the ground is no longer frozen, gradually move your plant outdoors to a sunny or partly shaded site with acidic, moist soil. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball, position the top of the roots at soil level, and water thoroughly. For the best fruit set, locate a suitable male pollinator (such as Little Goblin® Guy) within about fifty feet, ensuring those eye-catching berries return year after year. Space each holly a few feet apart if planting multiples, and welcome a fresh burst of color during the colder months.