Little Goblin® Orange Winterberry Holly

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: For the best berry production and a tight, mounded shape, plant in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct light). While it handles partial shade well, you will notice fewer berries and a more open, leggy habit in lower light.
• Soil: These hollies love consistency and prefer slightly acidic, moist soil. If you have heavy clay that stays wet, this is your plant; if your soil is sandy, mix in plenty of compost to help hold onto moisture like a sponge.

Watering Requirements

During the first two growing seasons, provide 1 inch of water per week to help the root system expand. Once established, Little Goblin® is quite adaptable, but inconsistent moisture during the summer can lead to "berry drop" where the plant aborts its fruit to save itself. Keeping the soil consistently damp ensures those signature orange berries stay plump and vibrant through the winter.

Pruning Tips

This holly blooms on "new wood," meaning the flowers grow on the fresh stems produced in the current season. Only prune in early spring before new growth starts, focusing on removing dead wood or shaping the plant. Avoid heavy pruning once the plant begins to leaf out, or you might accidentally "cut off" the flowers that would have become this year’s berries.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants in early spring just as the buds begin to swell. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer, as this encourages tender new growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost. Think of late-season feeding like a caffeine hit right before bed; it keeps the plant awake when it should be preparing for its winter nap.