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Forever Emerald™ Inkberry

Ilex glabra 'Alexander'

  • Year-Round Dense Foliage from Top to Bottom, No Leggy Growth Like Other Hollies
  • Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
  • Grows 2-3 ft Tall and Wide
  • Pollution Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant
  • Showy White Blooms in Late Spring
Regular price $8425
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Plant Size

Specifications

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics Cold hardy, Low Maintenance, Evergreen, Native, Clay Tolerant, Wet Soils, Deer-resistant, Hedge/Screen, Heat Tolerant, Drought resistant
Hardiness Zone 4a to 11b
Sunlight Full sun, Partial shade
Height 2-3 ft
Width 2-3 ft
Watering Needs High
Preferred Soil Clay, Sandy
Growth Rate Moderate
Growth Habit Bushy, Upright
Blooms In Spring
Flower Color White
Foliage Color Green
Pet Safety Toxic to pets
Suitable Space Outdoors
Plant Name Holly
Botanical Name Ilex glabra 'Alexander'
Species glabra
Cultivar Alexander
Class Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Forever Emerald™ Inkberry get at maturity?

  • Forever Emerald™ Inkberry reaches 2-3 feet tall and wide at maturity. This compact size makes it perfect for low hedges, borders, and container gardens. Plan spacing of 2-3 feet apart for hedging or allow full width for specimen plantings.

Does Forever Emerald™ Inkberry stay full to the ground or get bare and leggy at the bottom like other inkberries?

  • Forever Emerald™ Inkberry maintains full foliage from top to bottom, unlike traditional inkberries that become leggy over time. This compact variety grows 2-3 feet tall and wide with dense, evergreen leaves year-round in zones 4-9. Shop at Nature Hills for this superior boxwood alternative.

What are the watering requirements for Forever Emerald™ Inkberry after planting?

  • Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Forever Emerald™ Inkberry becomes drought-resistant once established and actually tolerates wet soils better than most evergreens. Deep, weekly watering works best initially.

Does Forever Emerald™ Inkberry prefer full sun, partial shade, or shade?

  • Forever Emerald™ Inkberry thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable holly performs well across a range of light exposures, making it versatile for various garden locations. Plant it where it receives at least morning sun for best foliage density.

What type of soil does Forever Emerald™ Inkberry need, and does it tolerate wet or sandy conditions?

  • Forever Emerald™ Inkberry tolerates both wet and sandy soils, making it one of the few evergreens that thrives in challenging drainage conditions. This adaptable shrub performs well in most soil types and actually flourishes in damp areas where other plants struggle. Shop at Nature Hills for this resilient alternative to boxwood.

How do I plant Forever Emerald™ Inkberry—how deep and wide should the hole be?

  • Dig the planting hole twice as wide as the root ball but only as deep as the container height. Plant at the same depth it was growing in the pot to prevent root rot. Space multiple plants 2-3 feet apart for hedging or allow full spacing for individual specimens.

How cold hardy is Forever Emerald™ Inkberry in winter?

  • Forever Emerald™ Inkberry is exceptionally cold hardy, thriving in USDA zones 4-9 and tolerating harsh winter temperatures. The evergreen foliage stays vibrant green all winter long without browning or dropping. Plant in fall for best establishment before winter.

Can Forever Emerald™ Inkberry be used as a hedge or border plant?

  • Forever Emerald™ Inkberry makes an excellent hedge plant, growing 2-3 feet tall and wide with dense, compact growth that stays full from top to bottom. Its structured form and evergreen foliage create perfect low-maintenance privacy screens. Plant 2-3 feet apart for a solid hedge line.

Is Forever Emerald™ Inkberry a good disease-resistant replacement for boxwood?

  • Yes, Forever Emerald™ Inkberry is an excellent disease-resistant alternative to boxwood with the same formal, structured appearance. It thrives in zones 4-9, grows 2-3 feet tall and wide, and offers superior resilience to common boxwood problems. Plant it for low-maintenance hedges and borders where boxwood has struggled.

How is Forever Emerald™ Inkberry shipped—bare root, potted, or something else?

  • Forever Emerald™ Inkberry ships in containers as a potted plant, not bare root. This ensures the root system stays protected and the plant can be planted throughout the growing season in zones 4-9. Plant it anytime from spring through early fall for best establishment.