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GEM BOX PRIME™

Dwarf Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra

'SMNIGCM'

PPAF

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A rounded Gem Box Prime ilex glabra planted in a landscape

Close up of the fresh fine green foliage of Gem Box Prime inkberry holly

Boxwood alternative
Native to North America
Disease resistant

Description: We're on a quest for continuous improvement on all types of shrubs, and this updated version of Gem Box® inkberry holly improves on the original version with a denser habit and branching even lower to the ground. Gem Box Prime™ Ilex glabra makes a better container for the grower and retailer, and a better plant for the landscape. Its handsome evergreen foliage, disease resistance, and compact habit make it an excellent native alternative to boxwood. Use Gem Box Prime™ inkberry holly in all the ways a boxwood would be used in the landscape, like hedging, foundation planting, edging, or in containers. Note to growers: proper spacing in production ensures a full, lush plant.

USDA Zone: 5 - 10 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure: Full sun, Part sun
Height: 3-4'
Width: 3-5'
Type: Evergreen
Bloom Time: Spring
Flower Color: White
Foliage Color: Green
Liner Sizes: 2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

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.

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, New, Native, Compact

Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex , Common name: Dwarf Inkberry Holly, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, USDA Zone 9, USDA Zone 10, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage