Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra

Inkberry Holly is a slow-growing shrub, hardy in USDA zones 4-9, that matures to about 5-8 ft × 5-8 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with high water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-wet soil. Expect green and white blooms in spring and summer. It attracts bees, butterflies and pollinators, stands up well to erosion, pollution and rabbits.

USDA zones: 4-9
Sun: Full sun, Part shade
Water: High
Mature size: 5-8 ft × 5-8 ft
Growth rate: Slow
Maintenance: Low
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-wet
Bloom color: Green, White
Bloom season: Spring, Summer
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Pollinators, Small mammals, Songbirds
Tough against: Erosion, Pollution, Rabbits, Salt, Wet soil
Toxic to: People
Native to: Eastern North America

Freeze survival

Will it survive your winters?

We score Inkberry Holly’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.