Species

Ilex glabraInkberry Holly

4 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Densa Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra 'Densa'

$84.25

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex glabra, or Inkberry, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to the eastern United States. It resembles a boxwood but is more adaptable to wet, acidic soils, and features small black berries on female plants.

'Densa' is a popular female cultivar known for its compact, dense, mounding habit that is much tighter and shorter than the species. It is a reliable producer of the signature black berries if a male pollinator is nearby.

Uses & Benefits:

'Densa' provides year-round structure with its dense, evergreen foliage. It serves as an excellent dark green backdrop for flowering perennials and offers a tidy, mounded form that requires minimal pruning to look good.

It is a versatile landscape problem-solver, thriving in wet, acidic soils where many other shrubs fail. It's an ideal choice for foundation plantings, low hedges, or massing, and is a superb native alternative to non-native boxwoods.

The inconspicuous spring flowers support native bees. The black berries, while not showy, persist through winter and provide a crucial food source for many bird species, including bluebirds, robins, and mockingbirds.

SpeciesIlex glabraInkberry Holly

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42"

Width

54"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to high

Humidity

Average to high

Lifespan

25-50 years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested.

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Nature Hills

In Stock$84.25

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$89.95

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with acidic soil; amend with peat moss or sulfur if needed.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the container.
Set the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with amended soil and water well.
Mulch with pine needles or shredded bark to maintain soil acidity.
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during establishment.

Pro Tip

To ensure berry production on this female cultivar, plant a male Ilex glabra, like 'Nordic', within 50 feet.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in acidic soil (pH 4.5-5.5) for best results.
Provide consistent moisture; it tolerates wet feet.
Prune in early spring to maintain a dense, compact form.
Use as a native alternative to boxwood or Japanese holly.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline (high pH) soil, as this will cause chlorosis.
Don't allow the soil to completely dry out.
Avoid planting in deep, dry shade, which can lead to a leggy habit.
Refrain from heavy shearing late in the season.

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

Excellent substitute for boxwood in foundation plantingsLow, formal or informal hedgeMass planting in moist or boggy areas

Companion Plants

Fothergilla gardenii Clethra alnifolia Vaccinium corymbosum Rhododendron viscosum Chasmanthium latifolium

Good to Know

Common Questions

Densa Inkberry Holly questions

What zones can Densa Inkberry Holly grow in?

Densa 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 Densa Inkberry Holly deer resistant?

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

When does Densa Inkberry Holly bloom?

Densa 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 Densa Inkberry Holly need full sun?

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