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photo of Tim Wood

Meet the Breeder

Tim Wood
Grand Haven, MI, USA

SQUEEZE BOX®

Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra

'SMNIGLA'

PP#35,019; CBRAF

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Squeeze Box inkberry holly in the landscape. Close up showing the green foliage of Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly. Squeeze Box ilex glabra in the landscape.
  • Evergreen
  • Native
  • Male pollinator
Description

The first-ever upright, pyramidal inkberry, this holly greatly expands the options for landscapers and gardeners who look to Ilex glabra for a native evergreen. Use it as a specimen, a replacement for dwarf Alberta spruce, a narrow hedge, or a formal centerpiece in containers. It's also a long-awaited male selection, so it will serve to pollinate Gem Box® and Strongbox® hollies, fulfilling a request we've been hearing from home gardeners and landscapers since their introduction. 

USDA Zone
5 - 9 (-20°F/-28°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
4 - 6'
Width
2 - 3'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Evergreen
Bloom Time
Early summer
Flower Color
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.

  • Boxwood Liners

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

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Inkberry Holly, 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: Summer, Green foliage

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

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Inkberry Holly, 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: Summer, Green foliage