Just awful. Purchased 3 in 2024 summer. Chose these because they are supposed to be super robust, doesn’t care how much sun, what the soil is like, salt, heat & drought tolerant (once established). Spring 2025 and 2 are dead and one is struggling. I’ve purchased online from Spring Hill, Brecks and a couple others. Generally comfortable buying onlin me due to excellent warranty or guarantee. DO NOT confuse purchasing from Proven Winners versus “Proven Winners Direct” - they are NOT the same company and do not have the same warranty. PWD has an extensive warranty. Proven Winners has NONE except if they’re damaged when you first receive them, they’ll replace. With expensive shipping costs I paid $150 for 3 tiny shrubs. I will purchase PW brand from garden centers for some things but never again buying online from PW.
Gem Box® Inkberry holly Ilex glabra
- Part Sun to Sun
- Sun
- Early Spring
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
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Details
24 - 36 Inches24 - 36 Inches24 - 36 Inches61cm - 91cm61cm - 91cm61cm - 91cmFeatures
A great native alternative to boxwood!
This cool new dwarf, broadleaf evergreen looks more like a boxwood than an inkberry. A dense, ball-shaped plant, Gem Box ilex has small, dainty, dark green leaves with attractive red tips during the spring flush. It maintains good branching right to the ground so it never looks bare-legged like other cultivars may. It's great as a small evergreen hedge or used as a container specimen in milder climates.
Best SellerFoliage InterestFall InterestWinter InterestResists:DeerNative to North AmericaSmall or MiniatureCharacteristics
Plant Type:ShrubShrub Type:EvergreenHeight Category:ShortGarden Height:24 - 36 Inches 61cm - 91cmSpacing:24 - 36 Inches 61cm - 91cmSpread:24 - 36 Inches 61cm - 91cmFlower Colors:WhiteFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Shade:Dark GreenHabit:MoundedContainer Role:ThrillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:Part Sun to SunLight Requirement:SunThe optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Maintenance Category:EasyBloom Time:Grown for FoliageHardiness Zones:5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9bWater Category:AverageSoil PH Category:Acidic SoilUses:Border PlantUses:ContainerUses:Edging PlantUses:LandscapeUses:Mass PlantingUses:Specimen or Focal PointUses Notes:Hedging, container gardens
Maintenance Notes:Prefers moist acidic soils. Good shade tolerance. Prune to shape in late winter. Apply an evergreen fertilizer in spring.
Fun Facts:Gem Box inkberry holly is a female variety and can develop berries if a male Squeeze Box holly is planted within 50'-15m.
Gem Box® Ilex glabra 'SMNIGAB17' USPP 27,554, Can 5,629 -
2 Reviews
5143211Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Rachel, Ohio, United States, 8 min ago
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Got on the end of year clearance at Lowes and this beautiful plant has held up wonderfully. Looking to add more.
Sandra Perry, Oklahoma, United States, 3 years ago
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