Plant: Gem Box® Inkberry Holly
Holly · Ilex glabra 'SMNIGAB17'
Size: 2 gal
Light
Bloom
Mature size
More about this plant
Gem Box is a compact inkberry holly selection that holds a mounded, dense, ball shaped form only 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with good branching right to the ground. The small dark green evergreen leaves flush with attractive red tips in spring, making it a native alternative to boxwood for low hedges, edging, mass plantings and containers. It takes part sun to sun with average moisture in acidic soil, resists deer, and can carry black berries if a male inkberry is planted within 50 feet. Prune to shape in late winter and feed with an evergreen fertilizer in spring.
- Full Sun
- Grows to 3 ft tall and 3 ft wide
- Blooms in spring, summer
- Hardy in USDA zones 5-9
- Evergreen foliage
- Native plant
Plant description
Gem Box is a compact inkberry holly selection that holds a mounded, dense, ball shaped form only 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, with good branching right to the ground. The small dark green evergreen leaves flush with attractive red tips in spring, making it a native alternative to boxwood for low hedges, edging, mass plantings and containers. It takes part sun to sun with average moisture in acidic soil, resists deer, and can carry black berries if a male inkberry is planted within 50 feet. Prune to shape in late winter and feed with an evergreen fertilizer in spring.
- Foliage
- Small, dainty, dark green evergreen leaves with attractive red tips during the spring flush; branching stays good right to the ground.
- Fruit
- A female selection that can develop black berries if a male inkberry such as Squeeze Box is planted within 50 feet.
- Pruning
- Prune to shape in late winter. Apply an evergreen fertilizer in spring.
- Native range
- Southeastern USA; coastal plain from Nova Scotia to Florida to Louisiana
