Compacta Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra 'Compacta'

Proven Winners®

Compact 3-4 Ft. Native Inkberry Holly with Winter Berries for Wildlife
Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 3-4 ft Tall and Wide
Pollution Tolerant, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Native, Pollinator-Friendly - Attracts Bees and Butterflies

$25⁵⁹

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Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4	Week of March 30th
Zone 5	Week of March 16th
Zone 6-12	Week of March 2nd

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Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

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Compacta Inkberry Holly is a tough, native evergreen shrub that brings four-season beauty and tremendous ecological value to the landscape. This slow-growing selection of Ilex glabra reaches 3–4 feet tall with a dense, rounded, twiggy habit and spineless, glossy dark green leaves that fade to a handsome olive-green in winter. Female plants produce small black berries in fall that persist through winter, providing vital food for birds and other wildlife during the coldest months.

Native to the Eastern U.S. coastal plain, excellent ecological and habitat value
Dense, rounded evergreen habit, 3–4 ft. tall, slow-growing and tidy
Black berries in fall persist through winter, feeding birds and wildlife
Tolerates wet, poorly drained soils, clay, drought, salt, and periodic flooding
Excellent for rain gardens, naturalized areas, and wet borders
Deer resistant and virtually pest-free
Hardy in Zones 4–9

Compacta Inkberry Holly is one of the most adaptable native shrubs available, thriving in full sun to part shade in a wide range of acidic soil types including wet, sandy, and clay soils. It is ideal for low spots, rain gardens, and areas prone to periodic flooding where other shrubs struggle. Plant a male inkberry nearby to ensure berry production on this female cultivar. Mulch to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature. This remarkably long-lived native requires minimal maintenance once established, and rewards you with year-round greenery and winter wildlife feeding value. Order today!

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Growing Zones 4-9

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can Compacta Inkberry Holly tolerate wet or poorly drained soils?

Compacta Inkberry Holly excels in wet and poorly drained soils, including clay and areas prone to periodic flooding. This native shrub is particularly valuable for rain gardens and low spots where other plants struggle. Plant it in problem wet areas for a reliable, low-maintenance solution.

What is the best sun exposure for Compacta Inkberry Holly—full sun, partial shade, or shade?

Compacta Inkberry Holly thrives in full sun to part shade, making it highly adaptable to various garden conditions. This native evergreen performs well in both exposures, maintaining its dense 3-4 foot rounded habit. For best results, choose the location based on your other growing conditions rather than worrying about sun exposure. Shop at Nature Hills for this versatile Zone 4-9 shrub.

How much pruning does Compacta Inkberry Holly require?

Compacta Inkberry Holly requires minimal pruning due to its slow growth and naturally tidy habit. This native shrub maintains its dense, rounded shape without regular trimming. Prune lightly in late winter if needed to maintain size or remove any damaged branches.

Does Compacta Inkberry Holly get bare or leggy at the bottom over time?

Compacta Inkberry Holly maintains its dense, rounded habit and typically doesn't get leggy at the bottom due to its naturally twiggy growth pattern. This slow-growing native stays compact at 3-4 feet tall with good branch density. Light pruning in late winter can encourage even bushier growth if needed.

What are common pests or diseases affecting Compacta Inkberry Holly?

Compacta Inkberry Holly is virtually pest-free and remarkably disease resistant. This native shrub's natural hardiness in Zones 4-9 means it faces few issues once established. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent any potential fungal problems.

How is Compacta Inkberry Holly shipped, and what size are the plants?

Compacta Inkberry Holly ships as container-grown plants, typically in 1-gallon pots at 12-18 inches tall. The slow-growing shrubs establish quickly and will reach their mature 3-4 foot height over several years. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment in zones 4-9.

How cold-hardy is Compacta Inkberry Holly in zone 4 or 5?

Compacta Inkberry Holly is fully hardy in zones 4-9, making it reliable even in harsh northern winters. This tough native evergreen maintains its dense, rounded form and glossy foliage year-round. Plant in fall to allow root establishment before winter.