Gem Box® Inkberry Plant

Elevate your landscape with the Gem Box Inkberry Holly, nature's impeccable answer to the traditional boxwood. This dwarf evergreen marvel boasts dainty dark green leaves, highlighted by enchanting red tips in spring, and showcases a compact, ball-like stature ensuring it never reveals a bare leg, unlike other cultivars. Beyond its aesthetics, what sets the Gem Box apart is its resilience against diseases and its natural, neatly-maintained demeanor, eliminating the need for frequent shearing. Perfect as a petite hedge or a container adornment in temperate zones, this female variant might even surprise you with berries, given a male counterpart within proximity. Seeking a native, easy-to-care alternative with the sophistication of a boxwood? The Gem Box Inkberry Holly beckons, challenging you to discern the difference and ponder if it's time for a garden upgrade.

Gem Box® Ilex glabra 'SMNIGAB17' USPP 27,554, Can 5,629

Planting Instructions:

• - Best planted in early spring or fall for optimal establishment
• - Space plants 2-4 feet apart, depending on the desired density

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 5.5-6.5, preferring slightly acidic soil
• - Thrives in moist, well-drained soil but can tolerate wet or poorly drained conditions

Watering Specifics:

• - Water deeply during the first growing season to establish a strong root system
• - Once established, moderately drought-tolerant but prefers consistent moisture

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a fertilizer designed for acid-loving plants in early spring
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, as Inkberry prefers leaner soils

Pruning and Training:

• - Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and remove dead or damaged branches
• - Minimal pruning is needed to maintain its naturally compact form

Additional Pest Management:

• - Generally pest-resistant but monitor for aphids, scale, and leaf spot
• - Maintain good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 5-9
• - Tolerates cold winters and moderate heat; mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots in extreme climates