Ilex glabra 'Gem Box®'
Gem Box® Inkberry Holly
An excellent native alternative to boxwood, Gem Box® forms a dense, rounded shrub perfect for smaller planting areas, a low hedge, or decorative containers. Small, dark green leaves have attractive red tips when they start growing in spring. Plants branch all the way to the ground so they aren't bare at the base. Does not require pruning to maintain its compact shape.
Small creamy white flowers May-June are a major nectar source for bees and other pollinators. A male pollinator is required for berries to form.
- Great native alternative to boxwood
- Dwarf evergreen
- Low maintenance
- Category: Shrub, Native
- Breeder: Proven Winners
- Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Color: White
- Foliage Color: Dark Green
Specialty Use
• | Wildlife Garden |
Attracts Wildlife
• | Attracts Pollinators |
Foliage
• | Evergreen |
Season of Interest (Flowering)
• | Spring |
Growth Rate
• | Slow |
Foliage Color
• | Green |
Attributes
• | Border or Bed |
• | Container |
• | Evergreen |
• | Great Foliage |
• | Low Maintenance |
• | Mass Planting |
• | Native |
• | Rain Garden |
• | Salt Tolerant |
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Ilex glabra 'Gem Box®'
Grow in part sun to full sun. Prefers moist, acidic soil. Tolerates wet soil.