Return to Plant Finder Add to My Order

Clicking the following controls will change the main image displayed above.

GEM BOX®

Holly - Inkberry

Ilex glabra

'SMNIGAB17'

USPP 27,554; CBR 5629

Swipe to View More
Petite globe of Gem Box Ilex glabra with hydrangeas Close up of glossy evergreen Gem Box Ilex glabra foliage with hydrangea foliage Round Gem Box Ilex glabra in decorative container YouTube video describing the plant shown on this page
  • Native to North America
  • Boxwood alternative
  • Disease resistant
Description

Gem Box® inkberry holly is a dense, ball-shaped plant with small dark green leaves. Foliage develops attractive red tips during the spring flush. Maintains good branching right to the ground so it never looks bare-legged like other cultivars can. As versatile and good-looking as boxwood with no disease issues!

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

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.

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.

  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week April 22, 2021
  • Benchcard: Gem Box® Ilex Benchcard
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week February 6, 2020
  • Spec Sheet: Gem Box® Ilex Spec Sheet
  • Grower Sheet: Spec Sheet: 2020 Shrubs of the Year Grower’s Guide
  • Grower Sheet: Gem Box® Ilex Grower Sheet
  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week, October 18, 2018: Gem Box® and Strongbox® Ilex glabra
  • Booklet/Brochure: Top 10 Landscape Shrubs - 2021
  • Tag: Gem Box® Ilex Tag
  • Booklet/Brochure: A New Vision for Native Shrubs

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

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Inkberry, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, 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

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

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Inkberry, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, 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