Compact Inkberry Holly
Compact Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra ‘Compacta’) is a versatile evergreen shrub known for its dense, rounded form and glossy, dark green foliage that remains vibrant throughout the year. Growing to a mature height of 4 to 5 feet, with a similar spread, Compact Inkberry Holly is ideal for foundation plantings, borders, and low hedges. Its fine-textured, boxwood-like leaves make it a popular choice for creating a formal look in garden beds, while the natural compact growth habit requires minimal pruning to maintain its attractive, neat shape.
Compact Inkberry Holly thrives in USDA zones 4-9, adapting well to both full sun and partial shade, and prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings. In spring, Compact Inkberry Holly produces small, white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by dark berries that persist through fall, providing additional visual interest and food for birds. Its adaptability and low maintenance requirements make it a reliable option for adding structure and year-round greenery to your landscape.
In addition to its attractive appearance, Compact Inkberry Holly is deer-resistant, which is particularly useful for gardeners in areas prone to deer browsing. The shrub’s resilience to pests, diseases, and varying soil conditions further enhances its appeal as a low-maintenance, dependable evergreen for a wide range of landscape uses. Whether used as a standalone specimen, planted in mass for a dense hedge, or added to a mixed border, Compact Inkberry Holly offers the perfect combination of beauty, hardiness, and functionality for any garden design.
