Inkberry ( Ilex glabra)

Sun Needs:

• Full sun to partial shade
• Best growth and form in full sun
• Tolerates shade but may become leggy

Bloom Time:

• Late spring
• Flowers: Small, white, inconspicuous
• Fruit: Female plants produce black berries in fall (requires male pollinator nearby)

Size:

Height: 3 to 8 feet (depending on cultivar)
Width: 3 to 6 feet

Attributes:

• Evergreen with smooth, spineless leaves
• Black berries attract birds and wildlife
• Native to the eastern U.S.
• Tolerates wet soils and coastal conditions
• Excellent for hedges, rain gardens, and naturalized plantings

Care Tips:

• Prefers acidic, moist, well-drained soil
• Tolerates wet or poorly drained sites
• Water regularly during establishment
• Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Prune in late winter or early spring to shape and control size
• Plant both male and female plants for berry production

Pest Watch:

• Generally pest- and disease-resistant
• Monitor for leaf spot and chlorosis in alkaline soils