shrub

Compact Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra 'Compacta'

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Compact Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra 'Compacta') at Marcum's Nursery

Compact Inkberry Holly foliage

Compact Inkberry Holly foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Compact Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra 'Compacta') at Marcum's Nursery

Compact Inkberry Holly

Compact Inkberry Holly

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  4 feet

Spread:  4 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  5

Description:

An extremely versatile small evergreen shrub, can be used in the garden or for low hedges, massing and topiary, small oval leaves and interesting black berries in winter; quite hardy, but some suckering, use where this is an advantage

Ornamental Features

Compact Inkberry Holly has dark green evergreen foliage on a plant with a round habit of growth. The glossy narrow leaves remain dark green throughout the winter. It produces black berries from mid fall to late winter.

Landscape Attributes

Compact Inkberry Holly is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Suckering

Compact Inkberry Holly is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • Hedges/Screening
  • General Garden Use
  • Topiary

Planting & Growing

Compact Inkberry Holly will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 4 feet. It tends to be a little leggy, with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more. This is a female variety of the species which requires a male selection of the same species growing nearby in order to set fruit.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in moist to wet soil, and will even tolerate some standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is very fussy about its soil conditions and must have rich, acidic soils to ensure success, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight Soil pH Preference
Characteristics
Massing  Screening  Garden  Topiary 
Applications
Fruit  Winter Value  Attracts Wildlife 
Ornamental Features