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#6859
GEM BOX PRIME™ INKBERRY
Ilex glabra
'SMNIGCM'
PPAF Plant propagation prohibited
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Jumbo gallon Potted
(SKU: 20355)
0 - Available Now -
Details
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List Price $45.00 Per Plant
Hardiness Zone: 5-10 · Mature Height: 3-4 Feet · Mature Spread: 3-5 Feet
Meet the shrub stepping confidently into the spotlight as the boxwood alternative you've been waiting for. Gem Box Prime™ Inkberry forms a perfectly rounded, ultra-dense mound of glossy green foliage that stays handsome in every season. Its fine texture and evergreen presence bring structure and sophistication to any garden style—from formal to modern minimalism.
This improved version takes everything gardeners loved about the original Gem Box® Inkberry and levels it up with tighter branching, fuller foliage, and a habit that fills in beautifully from the ground up. Its compact stature makes it ideal for borders, low hedges, foundation accents, and symmetrical plantings where uniformity matters. Whether you're shaping it, lining a walkway, or anchoring a garden bed, Gem Box Prime™ Inkberry maintains its charm with almost effortless ease.
Better still, this native Ilex glabra comes with natural durability built in. It resists common boxwood diseases, tolerates variable soils, and maintains rich color throughout the year. Because it's both tough and tidy, landscapers love using it anywhere a traditional boxwood might struggle. If you're seeking evergreen structure without the stress, this refined inkberry holly is your new landscape go-to.
Family: Aquafoliaceae · Common Name: Holly / Winterberry
FREE with every plant purchased:
- The Sooner Guarantee: For details, click here!
- A pre-applied, pre-measured amount of time release fertilizer that keeps your plant well nourished for up to one year.
- Pre-hydrated Hydro-Gels are included in the top of each container to use when planting as they help retain soil moisture, and plants will establish more quickly with less transplant shock. Plants will also survive drought-like conditions and accidental missed waterings better.
- Planting and Care Instruction brochure.
- Catalogs of new and exciting plant brands, such as Garden Debut® and Proven Winners®.
We use and recommend www.dripdepot.com for our irrigation needs, from simple to install micro and drip systems, to commercial grade irrigation parts and supplies.
GEM BOX PRIME™ INKBERRY Plant Characteristics
Bark Color*
| • | Gray |
Bark Type*
| • | Smooth |
Brand*
| • | Proven Winners® Color Choice® |
Cultural Information*
| • | Leaf Scorch - High Resistance |
| • | Leaf Spot - High Resistance |
| • | Powdery Mildew - High Resistance |
| • | Root Rot - Moderate Resistance |
Flower Color*
| • | White |
Growth Rate*
| • | Medium |
Leaf Color Fall*
| • | Green |
Leaf Color Spring*
| • | Green |
Leaf Color Summer*
| • | Green |
Leaf Type*
| • | Evergreen |
Plant Type*
| • | Shrub |
Preferred Soil Conditions*
| • | Adapts Well to Most Soil Types |
| • | Average |
| • | Drought Tolerant |
| • | Moist |
| • | Salt Tolerant |
| • | Well-Drained |
Propagation Methods*
| • | Cuttings or Divisions |
Season of Interest*
| • | Early Spring |
| • | Fall |
| • | Late Spring/Early Summer |
| • | Late Summer/Early Autumn |
| • | Spring |
| • | Spring Flowering |
| • | Summer |
| • | Winter |
| • | Year-Round |
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GEM BOX PRIME™ INKBERRY Homeowner Growing & Maintenance Tips
- Recommended Soil:
- Thrives in moist, acidic, well-drained soils.
- Tolerates sandy or peaty conditions commonly found in coastal or woodland landscapes.
- Avoid overly alkaline soil, which may cause chlorosis.
- Sun Exposure:
- Performs best in full sun to part sun.
- Tolerates light shade but will be denser and more compact with ample sunlight.
- Works well in open landscapes or bright foundations.
- Irrigation Needs:
- Keep soil consistently moist during establishment.
- Once established, moderately drought tolerant but prefers regular, even moisture.
- Mulching helps maintain soil moisture and promote root health.
- Feeding & Nutrients:
- Apply a slow-release, acid-loving evergreen fertilizer in spring.
- Organic matter such as compost or pine fines supports strong color and vigor.
- Avoid overfertilization, which can reduce compactness.
- Pruning & Maintenance:
- Naturally dense, requiring minimal pruning.
- Light shaping in late spring keeps form crisp and rounded.
- Resistant to many common pests and diseases that affect traditional boxwood.
- Evergreen foliage stays attractive year-round with little intervention.
Interesting Notes About GEM BOX PRIME™ INKBERRY
- Boxwood's Native Cousin: This Ilex glabra selection is native to North America, offering the classic boxwood look with enhanced resilience.
- Coastal Credentials: Inkberry hollies naturally thrive in sandy, acidic soils—making them excellent choices for coastal or seaside landscapes.
- All-Season Style: Evergreen foliage provides year-round color, structure, and texture without thinning or bronzing in winter.
- Disease-Dodging Design: Known for strong resistance to boxwood blight and other common shrub diseases, making it a low-stress landscape pick.
- Full From the Ground Up: GEM BOX PRIME™ was specifically bred for lower, fuller branching that maintains a perfectly rounded shape without gaps.
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