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Densa Inkberry Holly

Ilex glabra 'Densa'

Regular price $8425
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: For the densest foliage and best berry production, plant in full sun, which is six or more hours of direct light daily. While it handles partial shade well, the growth will be slightly more open and less compact than those grown in brighter spots.
  • Soil: These hollies thrive in moist, acidic soils rich in organic matter. If you have heavy clay, mix in some compost or peat moss to improve drainage, as they dislike sitting in stagnant water but love a consistently damp environment.

Watering Requirements

During the first year, water your Densa Inkberry Holly deeply twice a week to ensure the root system anchors properly. Once established, this shrub is remarkably adaptable but prefers consistent moisture to maintain its glossy green color. If the soil stays too dry for long periods, you may notice the lower leaves dropping, which leaves the base of the plant looking thin.

Pruning Tips

Since this variety blooms on new wood, the best time to prune is in early spring before new growth begins. Use a "selective thinning" approach by cutting back the longest stems to a side branch to encourage a rounded, bushy shape. Regular light pruning keeps the plant from becoming leggy and maintains that characteristic "boxwood look" without the pest issues.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving plants, like an Holly-tone, in early spring just as the buds start to swell. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers late in the summer or fall. Doing so forces soft, tender growth that won't have time to harden off before the first frost, leading to winter dieback.

Delivery and Shipping

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


Shipping Rates

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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Description

Sophisticated year-round greenery with leathery foliage and glossy green leaves on a compact, informal shrub! Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra 'Densa') are mid-sized broad-leaved evergreen with lighter foliage that looks handsome and invigorating year-round.

Maintaining good branching right to the ground, Inkberry Holly always looks refined and full! Prune to any shape or size, these wonderfully rounded shrubs always look divine. The selection 'Densa' is a compact form of the species growing rounded and dense, growing up to a 4-7 foot range. Older plants that are planted in slightly acidic soils will live longer and grow a bit larger. This selection is easily maintained at the smaller end of the size range with pruning.

Densa is a female cultivar that is an easy-care plant, grown for lustrous foliage, tiny white flowers, and winter berries that are black as ink, but only if there is a male pollinator Inkberry planted nearby! Growing with broad, upright branches, the glossy, lance-shaped leaves offer a year-round sublime-green sheen. Plus, it is a high-style look to your garden beds or borders, without the price tag!

Planting and Application:

Densa brings sublime quality to containers and planters! Try them in large pots along your paths for height, or flanking the start of a garden room. Stand a pair of lovely sentries at your entry to welcome visitors year-round.

Working as backdrops in Formal beds as well as informal Cottage gardens! Evergreen shrubs are always amazing facer plantings to hide the bare legs of your larger trees and shrubs! Fringe a ring of these around your fire-pits, pergolas or garden swing to create a private outdoor space you can't wait to get lost in! Thick privacy and relaxing textures whisk the rest of the world away.

Give your garden spaces the spa treatment by adding seclusion with these soothing plants around your seating areas or meditation spots. The 4 season greenery makes Inkberry fantastic foundation plantings and anchors to other garden beds. Adding an amazing high-style touch to your landscape without all the work!

Create garden vignettes by planting a curved row of these jewel-tone shrubs around a focal point, your garden seating or to highlight an urn or sculpture!

These plants will grow together to create a low-maintenance groundcover on slopes and to soften retaining walls. Form property definition, or line formal walkways and paths with verdant color all year! Try a staggered zig-zag to create a mass planting on a slope or a large bare patch for erosion control and fill hard-to-mow areas in greenery!

  • Informal Glossy Dark-Green Broad-Leaf Evergreen
  • Leathery Sophisticated Lance-Shaped Foliage
  • Inconspicuous White Blooms
  • Dense Rounded Shrub - Native Alternative to Boxwood
  • Hardy Versatile & Four-Season Interest
  • Female Shrub With Sparse Ink-Black Berries When Pollinated
  • Fantastic Foundation or Hedge Plant

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Densa Inkberry Holly likes full sun and tolerates a few hours of shade a day, making them versatile for use beneath ornamental trees, patios, and foundations. Not particular about soil type, Inkberry are hardy compact plants in growing zones 5 through 9. Just be sure these don't dry out! Inkberry Hollies are excellent alternatives to Boxwood, especially in areas without well-drained soils. This plant appreciates regular water, so a generous layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture as well as insulate the root system from heat and chill. It is very important that the soil is slightly acidic, (lower pH) and appreciates winter watering. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring.

  • Full Sun to Part Shade
  • Most Moist Soil Types
  • Prune to Shape Late Winter
  • Nice Alternative to Boxwood
  • Deer Seldom Bother It

All landscapes benefit from a strong, architectural anchor, such as the refined Densa Inkberry Holly! Order enough to complete your project from Nature Hills Nursery today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does inkberry holly get?

  • Densa Inkberry Holly typically reaches 4-7 feet tall and wide at maturity. This compact cultivar maintains dense, rounded growth with good branching to the ground. You can easily keep it smaller through regular pruning if desired.

What USDA planting zones is Densa Inkberry Holly hardy in?

  • Densa Inkberry Holly thrives in USDA zones 4-9, making it adaptable to most temperate climates. This hardy evergreen tolerates both cold winters and warm summers while maintaining its glossy foliage year-round. Shop at Nature Hills for this reliable shrub.

What type of soil does Densa Inkberry Holly prefer, and does it tolerate clay or sandy soils?

  • Densa Inkberry Holly thrives in slightly acidic soils, which help older plants live longer and grow larger in the 4-7 foot range. It adapts well to various soil types including clay and sandy conditions. For best results, amend heavy clay with organic matter to improve drainage.

How often should I water Densa Inkberry Holly, especially until it's established?

  • Water newly planted Densa Inkberry Holly deeply 2-3 times per week for the first growing season. Once established, this drought-tolerant shrub needs minimal supplemental watering. Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 2 inches deep - water when dry at that level.

When is the best time to prune Densa Inkberry Holly to maintain its shape?

  • Late winter to early spring is ideal for pruning Densa Inkberry Holly, just before new growth begins. This timing allows the shrub to recover quickly and maintain its naturally dense, rounded form. Since it responds well to shaping and can be maintained at 4-7 feet, prune annually to keep it at your desired size. Find quality Densa Inkberry Holly available at naturehills.com.

Is Densa Inkberry Holly deer-resistant?

  • Densa Inkberry Holly is generally deer-resistant due to its leathery, glossy foliage that deer typically avoid. The tough texture and evergreen nature make it an excellent choice for areas with deer pressure. Plant it as foundation screening or border plantings where deer browsing is a concern.

How does it handle extreme heat?

  • Densa Inkberry Holly tolerates heat well once established, though it prefers some afternoon shade in hottest climates. The dense, leathery foliage helps it retain moisture during summer stress. Water deeply during heat waves and consider mulching to keep roots cool.

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