Ilex Strongbox®

ILST Inkberry Holly, Gallberry
$22.95
Buy More & Save! 3 for $21.95 ea.
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Ships Spring 2026 to
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Native Pollinator Magnet
This versatile evergreen is a native alternative to Boxwood and offers superior benefits including erosion control and tolerance to air pollution. Its dense, naturally mounded growth habit reaches the ground without bare patches. This adaptable shrub thrives in challenging conditions, including wet soils and urban environments and is ideal as a low hedge, in containers, or waterside plantings. The small white flowers attract pollinators and produce highly rated honey, while the dark berries provide winter interest and food for birds. Ilex Strongbox is a female variety and develops berries if a male is planted within 50 feet. Ilex Squeeze Box® is recommended.

Minus icon Plant Type Shrubs

Minus icon Height Medium 2-3'

Minus icon Spacing Plant 2-3' apart

Minus icon Bloom Time Late Spring to Early Summer

Minus icon Sun / Shade Full Sun to Mostly Sunny

Minus icon Growing Zones 5-9

Minus icon Soil Type Normal, Acidic

Minus icon Water Needs Medium

Minus icon Sold In Plantable Pots (3.5x3.5x4")

Special Product

Proven Winners

These varieties have been proven in trials around the world to be vigorous and easy to grow. Best of all, Proven Winners are known to be absolutely covered with vibrant, long-blooming flowers.

Special Features

  • Beneficial for Pollinators
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Deer Resistant
  • Evergreen
  • Rabbit Resistant
  • Winter Interest
  • Good for Hedge
  • OK in Containers
  • Seaside/Salt Tolerant
  • Wet Site Tolerant

Botanical Name

Ilex glabra 'Strongbox®' (PP30,147)

Ilex General Information

Dense habit of Inkberry Holly maintains good branching right to the ground. Perfect for a small evergreen hedge or an ideal container specimen. This species differs from other evergreen hollies with its smooth leaves - lacks spines on the leaves (only having 'teeth' toward the tip of the foliage).

Ilex Plant Care

Established specimens tolerate pruning, but little is required. Prune for holiday decorations or in late summer. Shape for hedges with shears. Apply an evergreen fertilizer in spring. Prefers moist acidic soil.

Minus icon All potted plant material is restricted from shipping to Idaho

Plantable Pots

Our plants are grown in 3.5x3.5x4” plantable pots. Made from 100% biodegradable coconut husk fibers (coir), these pots have tremendous advantages over plastic pots. With better air exchange, this "breathable" pot fosters robust root growth and reduces transplant shock since you can plant the pots directly in the ground. The pot naturally becomes part of the soil on its own over time—no composting required—and since they're made from a renewable resource that requires very little energy, they're earth-friendly too!

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our perennials to reach you in good condition and to grow. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We use custom, earth-friendly packaging to make sure your order arrives in great condition, and we ship based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Early April

Fall

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October