Ilex Gem Box®

Inkberry Holly
$24.95 ea.
Order more to save! 3+ for $24.50 ea.
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Ships Spring 2025 to
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Perfect Alternative to Boxwood
This ball-shaped treasure maintains its dense habit right to the ground – no bare legs! Red tips bedazzle the glossy foliage in spring. Plant a border of Ilex Gem Box® for a stunning lower-growing evergreen native. Proven Winners® selections are trialed and tested to be colorful, carefree and easy to grow. Native to North America.

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Code ILGB

Patent PP27,554 'SMNIGAB17'

Plant Type Shrubs

Species glabra

Height Medium 2-3'

Spacing Plant 2-3' apart

Bloom Time Not Applicable

Sun / Shade Full Sun to Mostly Sunny

Zones 5-9

Soil Type Normal, Acidic

Water Needs Medium

Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

Proven Winners

These varieties have been proven in trials around the world to be vigorous and easy to grow. Best of all, Proven Winners are known to be absolutely covered with vibrant, long-blooming flowers.

Special Features

  • Deer Resistant
  • Evergreen
  • Winter Interest
  • Good for Hedge
  • OK in Containers
  • Seaside/Salt Tolerant
  • Wet Site Tolerant

Ilex General Information

Dense habit of Inkberry Holly maintains good branching right to the ground. Perfect for a small evergreen hedge or an ideal container specimen. This species differs from other evergreen hollies with its smooth leaves - lacks spines on the leaves (only having 'teeth' toward the tip of the foliage). Idaho has restricted all potted plant material from being shipped into Idaho at this time.

Ilex Plant Care

Established specimens tolerate pruning, but little is required. Prune for holiday decorations or in late summer. Shape for hedges with shears. Apply an evergreen fertilizer in spring. Prefers moist acidic soil.

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8: Late March to Early April
  • Zone 9, 10: Late March

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

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