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GEM BOX®

Holly - Inkberry

Ilex glabra

'SMNIGAB17'

PP#27,554; CBR#5629

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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.

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