shrub

Nordic Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra 'Nordic'

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Nordic Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra 'Nordic') at Marcum's Nursery

Nordic Inkberry Holly

Nordic Inkberry Holly

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  4 feet

Spread:  3 feet

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  5

Description:

An extremely versatile and compact evergreen shrub, can be used in the garden or for hedging, massing and topiary, takes pruning well; small shiny oval leaves and mounded form, some suckering so use where this is an advantage

Ornamental Features

Nordic 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.

Landscape Attributes

Nordic 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. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Suckering

Nordic Inkberry Holly is recommended for the following landscape applications;

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

Planting & Growing

Nordic Inkberry Holly will grow to be about 4 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 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 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
Winter Value 
Ornamental Features