With its dense small dark green leaves and perfect petite ball shape Gem Box Inkberry Holly, Ilex glabra, makes a choice selection for small hedges, evergreen accent, or anywhere some charm is needed. The foliage develops attractive red tips during the spring flush. It maintains good branching right to the ground so it never looks bare-legged like other cultivars can. As versatile and good-looking as boxwood but with no disease problems. Insignificant white flowers appear in spring. Deer resistant. Grows 2-3′ tall and wide. Evergreen and cold hardy. A selection of our Missouri native Inkberry Holly.

Plant Gem Box Inkberry Holly in full sun to part shade locations. Tolerant of shade. Add compost or other organic matter to the soil when planting. Use a starter fertilizer like Espoma Bio-tone Starter to get your plants off to a quick start. Keep well watered throughout the first few years of establishment and during dry spells.