shrubN. America Native

Shamrock Inkberry

Name: Shamrock Inkberry
Brand: Ilex
Availability: InStock

Ilex glabra 'Shamrock'

$69.95

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

42 inches

Width

42 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium to high

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Long-lived, 30+ years

Native To

Eastern North America

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested in large quantities

The Story

Plant Bio

Ilex glabra, or Inkberry, is a broadleaf evergreen shrub native to the eastern U.S. It has spineless, dark green leaves and an upright, rounded habit, making it a good substitute for boxwood in colder climates. 'Shamrock' is a popular female cultivar known for its compact, mounding habit and slow growth rate. It maintains a dense form with less pruning than the species and produces an abundance of black berries if a male pollinator is nearby.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

A handsome, low-maintenance evergreen that provides year-round structure and color. Its fine texture and dense habit make it an excellent alternative to boxwood for hedges, foundation plantings, and massing.

Its tolerance for wet soils makes it a valuable plant for rain gardens, boggy areas, and sites with poor drainage. It can be used to create low screens for privacy or to hide utility boxes.

As a native plant, it supports local ecosystems. The inconspicuous spring flowers attract bees and other pollinators. The black berries persist through winter, providing a vital food source for birds like bluebirds and mockingbirds.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

In Stock$69.95

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Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun to part shade and acidic soil.
This shrub tolerates both wet and average soil moisture.
Dig a hole twice the width of the container.
Set the plant so its root flare is at or slightly above soil level.
Backfill, gently firming the soil around the roots.
Water well and apply a layer of acidic mulch like pine straw.

Pro Tip

Plant in acidic soil to avoid chlorosis (yellowing leaves); amend with peat moss or sulfur if your soil is alkaline.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Ensure the soil is acidic (pH 4.5-6.0).
Water regularly, especially in full sun locations.
Plant a male pollinator like Ilex glabra 'Nordic' for berry production.
Prune in early spring to maintain a dense, compact shape.

Don't

Do not plant in alkaline (high pH) soils.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely for extended periods.
Don't shear into a tight formal shape; it looks best with a more natural form.
Do not fertilize late in the season, as it can encourage tender new growth.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent low hedge or foundation plantingVersatile component of mixed bordersIdeal for rain gardens and wet sites

Companion Plants

Fothergilla gardenii Clethra alnifolia Vaccinium corymbosum Chasmanthium latifolium Rhododendron species

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Shamrock Inkberry questions

What zones can Shamrock Inkberry grow in?

Shamrock Inkberry 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 Shamrock Inkberry deer resistant?

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

When does Shamrock Inkberry bloom?

Shamrock Inkberry 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 Shamrock Inkberry need full sun?

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