{% assign use_variant_images = false %}
{% capture vertical_scroll %}{% endcapture %} {%- if use_variant_images and variant.images[0] -%} {%- assign images = variant.images -%} {%- else -%} {%- assign images = product.images -%} {%- endif -%}
{% assign last_slide = 0 %} {%- for image in images offset: imgOffset -%}
{% capture ImageResponsive %} {%- if image != blank -%} {%- if image.width > 180 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '180x' }} 180w {{ 180 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 360 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '360x' }} 360w {{ 360 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 540 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '540x' }} 540w {{ 540 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 720 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '720x' }} 720w {{ 720 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 900 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '900x' }} 900w {{ 900 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 1080 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1080x' }} 1080w {{ 1080 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 1296 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1296x' }} 1296w {{ 1296 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 1512 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1512x' }} 1512w {{ 1512 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 1728 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1728x' }} 1728w {{ 1728 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 1944 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1944x' }} 1944w {{ 1944 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 2160 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '2160x' }} 2160w {{ 2160 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 2376 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '2376x' }} 2376w {{ 2376 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 2592 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '2592x' }} 2592w {{ 2592 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 2808 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '2808x' }} 2808w {{ 2808 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 3024 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '3024x' }} 3024w {{ 3024 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- assign image_size = image.width | append: 'x' -%} {{ image.src | img_url: image_size }} {{ image.width }}w {{ image.height }}h {%- endif -%} {% endcapture %}
{% if forloop.first or product.tags contains 'Graphic Overlay'%}
{% endif %}
{% assign last_slide = forloop.index %} {% endfor %}
{% assign last_slide = 0 %} {% assign imgOffset = 0 %} {% if product.tags contains 'Graphic Overlay' %} {% assign imgOffset = 1 %} {% endif %} {%- for image in images offset: imgOffset -%} {% capture thumbRepsonsive %} {%- if image != blank -%} {%- if image.width > 180 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '180x' }} 180w {{ 180 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 360 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '360x' }} 360w {{ 360 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 540 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '540x' }} 540w {{ 540 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 720 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '720x' }} 720w {{ 720 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 900 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '900x' }} 900w {{ 900 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 1080 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1080x' }} 1080w {{ 1080 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 1296 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1296x' }} 1296w {{ 1296 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 1512 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1512x' }} 1512w {{ 1512 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 1728 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1728x' }} 1728w {{ 1728 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 1944 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '1944x' }} 1944w {{ 1944 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 2160 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '2160x' }} 2160w {{ 2160 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 2376 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '2376x' }} 2376w {{ 2376 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 2592 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '2592x' }} 2592w {{ 2592 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 2808 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '2808x' }} 2808w {{ 2808 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- if image.width > 3024 -%}{{ image.src | img_url: '3024x' }} 3024w {{ 3024 | divided_by: image.aspect_ratio | round }}h,{%- endif -%} {%- assign image_size = image.width | append: 'x' -%} {{ image.src | img_url: image_size }} {{ image.width }}w {{ image.height }}h {%- endif -%} {% endcapture %}
{% assign last_slide = forloop.index %} {% endfor %}
All media depicts mature plants.

Gem Box® Inkberry Holly (Ilex)

SHRUB

Description

  • Native evergreen from Proven Winners looks like boxwood. 
  • Lush and full to the ground, looks stunning in the landscape!
  • Naturally grows with a neat, rounded shape.
  • Makes a shapely specimen or nice low hedge.
  • Zones 5-9, sun/part sun, 3' tall x 3' wide at maturity
Zone 5-9
Light part sun/sun
medium

{% capture DiscountGroup %}1{% endcapture %} {% capture DiscountTier %}2{% endcapture %} {% assign DiscountGroup = DiscountGroup | plus: 0 %} {% assign DiscountTier = DiscountTier | plus: 0 %} {% assign discount_amount = 0 %} {% for group in product.discounts_structure.groups %} {% if group.id == DiscountGroup %} {% for tier in group.tiers %} {% if tier.id == DiscountTier %} {% for discount in tier.discount %} {% if discount.min_quantity > variant.quantity %}{% break %}{% endif %} {% assign discount_amount = discount.discount_amount | times: 100 %} {% endfor %} {% break %} {% endif %} {% endfor %} {% break %} {% endif %} {% endfor %} {% if variant.price < variant.compare_at_price %} Sale {{- variant.price | minus: discount_amount | money | remove: ' ' -}}
{{- variant.compare_at_price | money | remove: ' ' -}} {% else %} {{- variant.price | money | remove: ' ' -}} {% endif %} Each

Buy More, Save More:
    {% for discountGroup in product.discounts_structure.groups %} {% if discountGroup.id == 1 %} {% for discountTier in discountGroup.tiers %} {% if discountTier.id == 2%} {% for discount in discountTier.discount %}
  • {% assign discount_amount = discount.discount_amount | times: 100 %} {% assign tier_ceiling = 10000 %} {% if discountTier.discount[forloop.index] != blank %}{% assign tier_ceiling = discountTier.discount[forloop.index].min_quantity | minus: 1 %}{% endif %}
    {{ variant.price | money | remove: ' ' }} {{ variant.price | minus: discount_amount | money | remove: ' ' }} / {{ discount.min_quantity }}{% if discountTier.discount[forloop.index] != blank %}-{{ discountTier.discount[forloop.index].min_quantity | minus: 1 }}{% else %}+{% endif %} qty.
    • {% endfor %} {% endif %} {% endfor %} {% endif %} {% endfor %}
Total
{% capture DiscountGroup %}1{% endcapture %} {% capture DiscountTier %}2{% endcapture %} {% assign DiscountGroup = DiscountGroup | plus: 0 %} {% assign DiscountTier = DiscountTier | plus: 0 %} {% assign discount_amount = 0 %} {% for group in product.discounts_structure.groups %} {% if group.id == DiscountGroup %} {% for tier in group.tiers %} {% if tier.id == DiscountTier %} {% for discount in tier.discount %} {% if discount.min_quantity > variant.quantity %}{% break %}{% endif %} {% assign discount_amount = variant.quantity | times: discount.discount_amount | times: 100 %} {% endfor %} {% break %} {% endif %} {% endfor %} {% break %} {% endif %} {% endfor %}
{{ variant.price | times: variant.quantity | minus: discount_amount | money | remove: ' ' }}
{% if discount_amount > 0 %} Saved {{ discount_amount | money | remove: ' ' }} {% endif %}
{% for option in product.options_with_values %} {% assign optionIndex = forloop.index0 %} {% assign position = forloop.index %}
{{option.name}}
{% assign sortedvalues = option.values %} {% if option.name contains 'Length' or option.name contains 'Width' or option.name contains 'Height' or option.name contains 'Depth' or option.name contains 'Thickness' or option.name contains 'Weight' %} {% assign sortedvalues = option.values | sort %} {% endif %} {% for value in sortedvalues %} {% assign inventory_quantity = 0 %} {% assign available = false %} {% assign optionVariant = false %} {% if product.options_with_values.size == 3 and optionIndex == 2%} {% for v in product.variants %} {% unless v.bogus %} {% if v.option1 == variant.option1 and v.option2 == variant.option2 and v.option3 == value %} {% assign optionVariant = v %} {% assign inventory_quantity = inventory_quantity | plus: v.inventory_quantity %} {% if v.available %}{% assign available = true %}{% endif %} {% endif %} {% endunless %} {% endfor %} {% elsif product.options_with_values.size == 2 and optionIndex == 1%} {% for v in product.variants %} {% unless v.bogus %} {% if v.option1 == variant.option1 and v.option2 == value %} {% assign optionVariant = v %} {% assign inventory_quantity = inventory_quantity | plus: v.inventory_quantity %} {% if v.available %}{% assign available = true %}{% endif %} {% endif %} {% endunless %} {% endfor %} {% else %} {% for v in product.variants %} {% unless v.bogus %} {% if v.option1 == value %} {% assign optionVariant = v %} {% assign inventory_quantity = inventory_quantity | plus: v.inventory_quantity %} {% if v.available %}{% assign available = true %}{% endif %} {% endif %} {% endunless %} {% endfor %} {% endif %} {% assign checked = "" %} {% if variant.options[optionIndex] == value%}{% assign checked = "checked" %}{% endif %} {% endfor %}
{% endfor %}
More Info on Plant Sizes

{% capture add_to_cart %}Neptune.cart.add({ id:{{ variant.id | json }}, quantity:{{ variant.quantity }}, properties:{ '_growingzone':['5a', '5b', '6a', '6b', '7a', '7b', '8a', '8b', '9a', '9b'],'shipping_exclusions':''} }, '.atcprod-{{ variant.id }}', { quantity: {{ variant.quantity }}, image: '//www.greatgardenplants.com/cdn/shop/products/Ilex-Gem-Box-1-P-sw.jpg?v=1626782621', title: 'Gem Box® Inkberry Holly (Ilex)', option: 'One Quart' }); return false;{% endcapture %} {% assign discontinued = '' %} {% for tag in product.tags %} {% if tag contains 'discontinued' %} {% assign discontinued = 'true' %} {% endif %} {% endfor %} {% if variant.available %} {% else %} {% unless discontinued == 'true' %} Notify Me When Available {% endunless %} {% endif %}
{% if error %}
{{error.description}}
{% endif %}
View Detailed Plant Information
↓

Plant Spacing

Plant spacing is based on the ultimate width of the plants. This figure is normally given as a range; for example, 3-5’. If you live in a cold climate and/or want plants to fill in more quickly, plan to space at the shorter end of the range. If you live in a warm climate, are on a limited budget, or are willing to wait longer for plants to touch, use the higher end of the range. Using the larger number is recommended when calculating distance from a building or structure. There’s really no such thing as "maximum spacing": if you don’t want your plants to touch, you can space them as far apart as you’d like. All plant spacing is calculated on center, or in other words, the centers of the plants are spaced one half of their eventual width apart:

bush distance

Unless you are planting in a straight line, as you might for hedges or edging, space your plants in a staggered or zig-zag pattern for a more interesting and naturalistic look:

bush distance zigzag
white plant in hand icon

Hand-picked at our greenhouse

white shipped to door icon

Shipped to your door

Young plant icon

Arrives as young plant

background image

More Information

Description Gem Box® inkberry holly (Ilex glabra) is a ground-breaking alternative to boxwood. Though it grows native across much of eastern North America, Proven Winners ColorChoice Shrubs selected Gem Box® for its dense, neat, rounded shape and ability to stay lush and full all the way to the ground. It makes a perfect evergreen, semi-formal accent to pollinator or native plant gardens, or plant it as a durable, low hedge. It does not require pruning or trimming to maintain its shape, making it incredibly low-maintenance. Inkberry holly is quite durable, tolerating very wet and occasionally dry conditions. It's not quite as shade-tolerant or deer resistant as boxwood but has the advantage of attracting pollinators and being a bit less fussy and far more disease resistant. History buffs, take note: this plant is called "inkberry holly" because Civil War soldiers used its berries to make a crude ink to write letters home. You may also want to check out Strongbox inkberry holly, which is like Gem Box but offers a lower, more cylindrical shape. Note about berries: Gem Box inkberry holly is a female variety and can potentially develop berries when paired with Squeeze Box Inkberry Holly.   Details Botanical name: Ilex glabra 'SMNIGAB17'
Patent #: USPP 27,554
Common name: Inkberry holly, Dwarf Inkberry holly
Zone: 5-9
Sun exposure: Full sun (6+ hours sun) to part-sun (4-6 hours sun)
Height x width: 2-3' tall and wide
Flower color: White
Foliage color: Green
Season of Interest: Year-round
Features: Space savers, rabbit resistant, Proven Winners, native, heat tolerant, evergreens, deer resistant, container plants, best for beginners
Uses: Hedge, low hedge, specimen, containers, formal gardens, native plant gardens.
 How To Grow Soil: Moist but well-drained soils are best. Though inkberry holly can take some dryness, foliage will begin to brown if it dries out frequently or severely.
Light: Full sun (6+ hrs/day) to part sun (4-6 hrs/day).
Water: Average to abundant (as long as soil is well-drained).
Space: 2-3' apart, depending on landscape role.
Fertilizing: If desired, fertilize in early spring, once the ground has thawed, with a granular rose fertilizer. A second application may be made in late spring/early summer as well.
Winterizing: 2-3" of shredded bark mulch is important to protect the shallow roots and minimize water loss. Do not allow plants to enter winter "thirsty"; dry soil during cold, windy weather is the main cause of leaf browning or even the plant dying.
Maintenance: Trim as needed to maintain shape and size desired. Save major pruning for mid-late spring, after new growth has emerged but before it becomes hard and woody.
 

Garden Care

Our Guide for Fall Planting

The start of fall may signal the gardening season is coming to a close, but it’s not over yet! There is still plenty of time to enjoy colorful flowers and foliage or even sprinkle in some new perennials and shrubs before winter arrives.

Grow with confidence

Customer Reviews

Based on 20 reviews
60%
(12)
10%
(2)
0%
(0)
25%
(5)
5%
(1)
L
L.J. (Wisconsin)
Cheerful Little Plants

Gem box makes a great stand-along border or accent plants for bare spots. It's very hardy and forgiving of harsh weather.

C
C.J.H. (Arkansas)
Great alternative for boxwoods

These plants are doing great and are perfect for a small evergreen. I may have to purchase more!

M
M.F. (Arkansas)
Leafless

When I opened the shipping box, the bottom was filled with dead leaves from my two shrubs. One plant has two remaining attached leaves. I hope it's enough to grow roots during this inaugural "sleep" year. Three weeks in the ground and no verdict yet.

Hello! We apologize that you received plants that are not up to our standards. While we try our best to provide exceptional service, some factors, like shipping and handling, are outside our control, and issues like this can sometimes happen. Please email pictures of the plants to claims@greatgardenplants.com, making sure to put your order number and name in the subject line so that we may provide the best assistance possible. Rest assured, we have a 60-day guarantee on all our plants. If you received your plants within that time frame, we would be happy to apply your warranty once we receive the pictures. Happy Gardening!
https://www.greatgardenplants.com/pages/our-guarantee

S
S.C. (Maryland)
Inkbox gemstone

Great Gardens excellent to work with. Plants are thriving and the couple that weren’t were promptly replaced.

K
K.D. (Massachusetts)

For what I was charged the plants were too small. I should have gone to a retail nursery and paid a bit more for a larger specimen.

I'm sorry you are not satisfied with your plants! We do note that all of our plants are young on each product page and on our plant sizes page (found here).

Rest assure you have 60 day warranty on all of your plants. Please email pictures of any plant in question to claims@greatgardenplants.com

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