Little Goblin Orange Winterberry Holly

Little Goblin® Orange is the female selection *Ilex verticillata* 'NCIV2', a compact deciduous winterberry holly that grows about 3–4 feet tall and wide. Its white flowers open from late spring into summer, followed by bright orange berries that bring fall and winter color and feed birds ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/little-goblin-orange-winterberry-holly-ilex-verticillata); [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/little-goblin-orange-48540)). ## Seasonal Interest Bright orange berries line the stems and can remain into winter; birds often eat them after cold weather softens the fruit ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/little-goblin-orange-winterberry-holly-ilex-verticillata)). The green foliage is deciduous, leaving the berry display visible after leaves drop ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/little-goblin-orange-winterberry-holly-ilex-verticillata); [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/little-goblin-orange-48540)). ## Pollination NCIV2 is a female selection and needs a male winterberry to set fruit ([Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/little-goblin-orange-48540)). Little Goblin® Guy is the recommended pollinator; plant it within 50 feet, where one male can pollinate up to five female shrubs ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/little-goblin-orange-winterberry-holly-ilex-verticillata); [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/little-goblin-orange-48540)). ## Growing Conditions and Use Site it in full sun to part shade; fruit set is best with at least four hours of sun. It prefers moist, slightly acidic soil and tolerates very wet or saturated ground ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/little-goblin-orange-winterberry-holly-ilex-verticillata); [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/little-goblin-orange-48540)). The compact shrub suits borders, containers, and mass plantings, and its branches can be cut for floral arrangements ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/little-goblin-orange-winterberry-holly-ilex-verticillata); [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/little-goblin-orange-48540)). ## Maintenance Prune cautiously because winterberry blooms on old wood and pruning the female after bloom can remove developing fruit. Remove whole branches only as needed and keep a male pollinator nearby for reliable fruiting ([Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/little-goblin-orange-winterberry-holly-ilex-verticillata); [Spring Meadow Nursery](https://springmeadownursery.com/plantfinder/little-goblin-orange-48540)).