Nordic Inkberry Holly
Nordic Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra ‘Nordic’) is a versatile, evergreen shrub known for its dense, upright growth habit and vibrant, glossy green foliage. Growing to a height of 3 to 4 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet, this hardy shrub offers a compact, rounded form that makes it perfect for use in foundation plantings, low hedges, or as an accent in mixed borders. The small, boxwood-like leaves retain their color throughout the year, providing year-round structure and interest to any landscape. With its attractive, fine-textured foliage, Nordic Inkberry Holly is an excellent alternative to boxwoods, particularly in gardens that require a hardy and low-maintenance evergreen.
Nordic Inkberry Holly thrives in USDA zones 4-9 and is highly adaptable to a variety of growing conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil and is tolerant of both sandy and clay soils, making it suitable for a wide range of garden settings. This inkberry variety is known for its resilience in challenging conditions, including wet areas, which makes it an ideal choice for rain gardens and areas prone to occasional flooding. In late spring, Nordic Inkberry Holly produces small white flowers that attract pollinators, followed by dark berries in the fall that provide food for birds, adding seasonal interest to your landscape.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Nordic Inkberry Holly is deer-resistant, making it a dependable choice for gardens where deer browsing is a concern. Its compact size and low-maintenance nature make it easy to care for, requiring minimal pruning to maintain its neat shape. Whether used as a formal hedge, a foundation plant, or in mass plantings, Nordic Inkberry Holly brings lush, evergreen beauty to your garden throughout the year. Its adaptability, resilience, and year-round color make Nordic Inkberry Holly an excellent choice for enhancing any landscape’s visual appeal and functionality.