Strongbox(R) inkberry holly (Ilex glabra 'Strongbox®') gives you a compact, rounded, evergreen shrub with a clean, boxwood-like look but with the toughness of a native holly.
Set it where you can enjoy its tidy shape year-round: along a front walk, in foundation beds, or clipped into a low hedge. For the densest growth, give it full sun, but it will also grow well in part shade, especially where afternoons are hot.
This inkberry prefers acidic soil that stays evenly moist. You will get the best performance in soils that are medium to wet yet well-drained. Mulch to keep roots cool and conserve moisture, and water during dry spells while the plant is establishing.
Mature size is typically about 24-36 inches tall, with a similar spread. The small, glossy, dark green leaves create a fine texture that pairs easily with flowering perennials, native grasses, and other broadleaf evergreens.
Maintenance is simple. If you want a sharper outline, lightly shear or selectively prune in late winter or just after the main flush of new growth. Remove any dead or crossing stems to keep the interior open and healthy.
Use Strongbox(R) as a reliable, evergreen structure plant for borders, mass plantings, and small gardens. Its rounded form stays neat without constant pruning, and it takes well to shaping when you want a more formal look.