shrubN. America Native

Gem Box Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra 'Ilexfarrowtracey'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

30 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to wet

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived shrub

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Berries (if produced) are mildly toxic if ingested

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex glabra, or Inkberry Holly, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to the eastern U.S. It is valued as a native alternative to boxwood, with spineless, glossy green leaves and an adaptable nature. GEM BOX® ('Ilexfarrowtracey') is a superior dwarf cultivar that maintains a dense, rounded, ball-like shape without pruning. Its small leaves emerge with attractive red tips in spring before maturing to a deep green, offering extra seasonal interest.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

GEM BOX® provides the classic look of a manicured boxwood with the benefits of a native plant. Its tight, rounded form offers year-round structure, while the red-tipped new growth adds a splash of seasonal color.

Its compact size and neat habit make it an exceptionally low-maintenance choice for formal hedges, foundation plantings, and container gardens. It is a perfect 'plant it and forget it' shrub for creating definition in the landscape.

As a native plant, it supports local ecosystems. Its small flowers attract native pollinators. While this male clone does not produce berries, planting it near female inkberries will ensure they produce fruit, a food source for birds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or partial shade.
Amend soil to be acidic and well-drained, yet moisture-retentive.
Dig a hole twice the width of the pot.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill the hole and water thoroughly.
Mulch with pine straw or shredded bark to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Planting in slightly acidic soil will result in the best foliage color and overall plant health. Amend alkaline soils with sulfur or peat moss.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment.
Plant in acidic soil for best performance.
Use as a native substitute for boxwood in formal designs.
Mulch to protect its shallow root system.

Don't

Don't plant in dry, sandy soils without irrigation.
Avoid planting in high pH (alkaline) soils.
Don't let the plant dry out completely.
Refrain from heavy pruning, as its natural shape is its best feature.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Perfect low hedge or borderExcellent foundation plantingSuperb container specimen for year-round structure

Companion Plants

Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Lime' Heuchera 'Dolce Wildberry' Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' Fothergilla gardenii Rhododendron 'PJM'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Gem Box Inkberry Holly questions

What zones can Gem Box Inkberry Holly grow in?

Gem Box Inkberry Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Gem Box Inkberry Holly deer resistant?

Yes — Gem Box Inkberry Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Gem Box Inkberry Holly bloom?

Gem Box Inkberry Holly typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Gem Box Inkberry Holly need full sun?

Gem Box Inkberry Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.