Evergreen shrub · Foundation plant · Wildlife habitat
Growing conditions
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Moist, acidic soil; tolerates occasionally wet or compacted conditions
Plant details
Size: ~5–8 ft tall × 5–8 ft wide; spreads by root suckers to form colonies over time
Blooms: Late spring
Fruit: Black berries on pollinated female plants
Deer resistance: High
Why we love it
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A beautiful native alternative to boxwood, with glossy evergreen leaves and a naturally rounded form
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Brings year round structure to foundation plantings, borders, and informal hedges
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Once established, tolerates brief dry spells, salt, air pollution, compacted soil, erosion, and periodically wet conditions, though it performs best with consistent moisture
Why wildlife loves it
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Tiny white spring flowers provide nectar and pollen for native bees and flies
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Serves as a host plant for several butterfly and moth species
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Black berries persist into winter, providing food for birds when other resources are scarce
Fun to see
The berries may remain untouched for months before hungry winter birds discover them and strip the branches nearly bare.
A note about berries
Inkberry Holly has separate male and female plants, and only pollinated female plants produce berries. Because these are young plants, their sex cannot yet be identified. Plants are sold unsexed, so berry production cannot be guaranteed.
Planting several increases the likelihood of receiving both male and female plants. A male Inkberry Holly that flowers at the same time must be growing nearby for pollination.
What to expect at pickup
Ground covers and ferns are sold as young, well rooted plugs. Shrubs are sold in 1 gallon containers.
Because this is a fall collection, some plants may have limited foliage or may be beginning to enter dormancy at pickup. This is a normal seasonal change. Their roots are healthy and ready to establish after planting.
Before you order
All orders are for pickup at the Montclair Farmers Market.
• Choose your pickup Saturday at checkout
• Orders must be picked up on that date
• Plants are living and may vary in appearance
• All sales are final once plants are picked up
• Please check your plants at pickup — we can only address issues at that time
