Yeah -a native plant! I planted this inkberry holly in a large pot beside my driveway. I was happy to find an evergreen native shrub that could take a bit of shade where it's planted. I've grown inkberry previously in a different state. Pruning actually encourages new growth so if you have some bare areas down low, just do some pruning. My bush looks more upright than rounded, but I like the more natural form. After it gets established, I'll prune some. My experience is that this shrub thrives in moist but well drained soil. I personally wouldn't attempt to grow in a dry location.
Strongbox® Inkberry holly Ilex glabra
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Details
24 - 36 Inches24 - 36 Inches24 - 36 Inches61cm - 91cm61cm - 91cm61cm - 91cmFeatures
Native alternative to boxwood.
Love boxwood but struggle with disease or winter damage? Plant Strongbox® inkberry holly instead. This native evergreen naturally grows as a broadly rounded mound, and keeps its leaves all the way to the ground for the lush, dense look you love. It can be pruned or shaped as you desire, or left to attain its neat natural shape. It's also much faster growing than boxwood, and offers good deer resistance, too. Available in better garden centers in spring 2019.
Top reasons to grow Strongbox® inkberry holly:
- Native to North America.
- Naturally mounded shape and evergreen.
- Resistant to disease, pests, and winter burn.
Foliage InterestWinter InterestNative to North AmericaCharacteristics
Plant Type:ShrubShrub Type:EvergreenHeight Category:ShortGarden Height:24 - 36 Inches 61cm - 91cmSpacing:24 - 36 Inches 61cm - 91cmSpread:24 - 36 Inches 61cm - 91cmFlower Colors:WhiteFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Shade:GreenHabit:MoundedContainer Role:FillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:Part Sun to SunLight Requirement:SunThe optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Maintenance Category:EasyBlooms On:Old WoodBloom Time:SpringHardiness Zones:5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9bWater Category:AverageUses:Border PlantUses:ContainerUses:Edging PlantUses:LandscapeUses:Mass PlantingUses:Specimen or Focal PointUses Notes:Plant Strongbox inkberry holly anywhere you'd use boxwood - as a hedge, edging, or specimen. Strongbox inkberry holly is a bit broader and less rounded than our other inkberry holly, Gem Box®.
Maintenance Notes:Little care is needed to enjoy Strongbox inkberry holly in your landscape. It has shallow roots, so a 2-3" layer of mulch is a good idea. If you wish to trim or prune it, do so in mid-late spring, after the new growth has emerged.
Strongbox is a female variety and will develop black berries if a compatible male pollinator is planted in the vicinity.
Fun Facts:The berries of inkberry holly were used by Civil War soldiers to make ink for their personal correspondance. To get berries on Strongbox inkberry holly, plant a male Squeeze Box holly within 50'/15m.
Strongbox® Ilex glabra 'ILEXFARROWTRACEY' USPP 30,147, Can 6,516 -
12 Reviews