Horticulture Report: Little Goblin® Dwarf Ilex verticillata

Dwarf Ilex verticillata

Proven Winners®:  Little Goblin ® (female)   Little Goblin Guy® (male)

Ilex verticillata are dioecious meaning they are male or female plants.  A male plant is needed for female plants to produce berries.  One male plant can pollinate up to 10 female plants. Male plant must be planted within 50 ft of female plants, plus the male’s blooming time must align with female’s bloom time.

Common Name: Winterberry Holly

Plant type: Deciduous Dwarf  Shrub

Height: 3-4 feet        Width: 3-4 feet
Bloom Time: Late Spring

Flower Color:  White (small)
Exposure:  Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours)

Firewise: Yes- Low flammability, 6 feet of structure

Soil Requirements: Prefers rich organic acidic soil, but will grow in average garden soil.

Water Needs:  Moist Areas
Attributes: Vibrant Red Winter Berries; Important food source for American Robins; Winter Interest; Slow growing; Blooms on old wood  
Uses:  Bioswales, Wetland habitats, Native gardens, Bird habitat, Rain garden, Firewise garden, Wildlife gardens, Cutting garden, Container planting, Floral arrangements.
Native to: Eastern North America

USDA Hardiness Zone: 3a-9b

Oregon Native: Mountain Snowberry

Plant Name:  Symphoricarpos oreophilus
Common name:  Mountain Snowberry
Plant Type:  Perennial Shrub
Plant Height:  3’ – 6’
Bloom Time: May – August
Flower Color: Pink
Exposure:  Part Shade
Soil Requirements:  Moderate to Well-Drained
Water Need:  Low
Fire Resistance: Zone 1, code 8, plant 30 feet from home
Attributes: Aromatic Blooms; Fruit for Birds;
Uses: Erosion Control; Ground Cover; Understory;
Note:  Spreads from Root System; Fruit & Leaves Mildly Toxic to Children
Native to:  Western/Central North America
Oregon Native:  YES
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-10b

Report by Viki Ashford

Photo by: Wasowski, Sally and Andy, Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=SYOR2