Plant: Shamrock - Inkberry Holly
Holly · Ilex glabra 'Shamrock'
Size: 3 gal
Light
Bloom
Mature size
More about this plant
Shamrock is a compact, densely twiggy inkberry holly that reaches about 5 feet tall and wide and suckers less than the species. Its glistening bright green new foliage matures to dark green and keeps its colour through winter, and black berries follow on female plants when a male inkberry is nearby. Very adaptable from low to high moisture, hardy in zones 4 to 9, it takes full sun to partial sun in light to heavy, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Deer and rabbit resistant and useful for erosion control, it makes a good border, low hedge or informal screen.
- Full Sun
- Grows to 5 ft tall and 5 ft wide
- Blooms in spring, summer
- Hardy in USDA zones 4-9
- Evergreen foliage
- Native plant
Plant description
Shamrock is a compact, densely twiggy inkberry holly that reaches about 5 feet tall and wide and suckers less than the species. Its glistening bright green new foliage matures to dark green and keeps its colour through winter, and black berries follow on female plants when a male inkberry is nearby. Very adaptable from low to high moisture, hardy in zones 4 to 9, it takes full sun to partial sun in light to heavy, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Deer and rabbit resistant and useful for erosion control, it makes a good border, low hedge or informal screen.
- Foliage
- Glossy bright green new foliage maturing to dark green and holding its colour through winter; growth is compact and twiggy, and it suckers less than the species.
- Fruit
- Black berries carried through winter on female plants when a male inkberry is present.
- Pruning
- Water deeply during establishment and prune annually to shape for a tidy appearance. Apply a spring fertilizer before new growth begins.
- Native range
- Southeastern USA; coastal plain from Nova Scotia to Florida to Louisiana
