Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'Squeeze Box'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate to high
Humidity
Adaptable
Lifespan
Long-lived evergreen shrub
Native To
Eastern North America
Toxicity
Berries are mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Ilex glabra, or Inkberry, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to the eastern US. It is known for its spineless, dark green leaves and tolerance of wet, acidic soils. Squeeze Box is a distinctive cultivar with a tight, upright, columnar habit that stays dense to the base. This makes it an excellent choice for narrow spaces, hedges, or formal plantings.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a site with full sun to part shade and acidic soil.
- This species tolerates wet feet, making it great for low spots.
- Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
- Place the plant in the hole, keeping the root flare at soil level.
- Backfill with soil and water deeply to remove air pockets.
- Apply a 2-inch layer of acidic mulch like pine bark or needles.
Pro Tip
Inkberry hollies thrive in moist, acidic soil. Mulching with pine needles can help maintain these conditions.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially in full sun.
- Test soil pH and maintain acidic conditions for best health.
- Prune in early spring to shape or control size if necessary.
- Plant a male pollinator like 'Jim Dandy' nearby for berry production.
Don't
- Don't plant in dry, alkaline soils, which causes leaf yellowing.
- Avoid letting the plant dry out completely.
- Don't prune in late fall, as it can stimulate vulnerable new growth.
- Avoid planting near concrete foundations which can leach lime and raise pH.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly questions
What zones can Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly grow in?
Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly deer resistant?
Yes — Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly bloom?
Squeeze 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 Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly need full sun?
Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Ilex to compare
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Ilex glabra 'Gem Box'
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Ilex x meserveae 'Mr Poppins'
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Ilex x meserveae 'Berry Poppins'
Blue Prince Holly Blue Princess Holly
Ilex x meservae 'Blue Prince Princess'
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Grow Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly with confidence
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