Return to Plant Finder

‘Compacta’

Holly - Inkberry

Ilex glabra

'Compacta'

Swipe to View More

Native to North America
Boxwood alternative
Dense growth

Description: Add some winter interest to the landscape with ‘Compacta’ Ilex glabra. This North American native is a nice alternative to boxwood. ‘Compacta' inkberry holly is a broadly pyramidal plant with glossy dark green evergreen foliage. Its branching is compact right to the ground for a dense, full appearance. In the fall, this female variety will bear black berries if a male inkberry is in the vicinity. Whether you use it for hedges, borders, or mass plantings, ‘Compacta’ inkberry holly provides year-round interest in the garden.

USDA Zone: 5 - 9 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure: Full sun, Part sun
Height: 3 - 4'
Width: 3 - 4'
Finish Time: 1 season
Type: Evergreen
Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Color: White
Foliage Color: Green
Liner Sizes: 2 1/4", 4"

General Care

Soil

Does best in moist (even very moist), slightly acidic soils.

Pruning

Naturally dense habit requires little pruning; may be trimmed after new growth has hardened off in late spring, though. Rejuvenate through hard pruning if it becomes leggy.

Uses

Hedges; edgings; foundation plantings; specimen; containers; mass planting.

Growing Tips

Tolerates shade well, but leaf color and overall foliage coverage is better with at least some sun. Grows most rapidly where moisture is consistently available.

Features: Evergreen, Native, Winter interest, Compact, Salt tolerant, Deer resistant

Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Inkberry, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage