Forever Emerald™ Inkberry

For lush, effortless beauty that lasts all year, Forever Emerald™ Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra 'Alexander') is the ultimate broadleaf evergreen choice! This dense, compact shrub features small, glossy green leaves that stay vibrant through every season, providing polished structure and rich texture to your landscape.

Unlike many Hollies, this variety retains full foliage from top to bottom, ensuring a full, lush appearance without leggy growth. Tiny white blossoms the bees love form in the spring and dark ink-black berries for the birds appear in the late summer to fall.

A hardy, adaptable alternative to Boxwood, Forever Emerald™ thrives in full sun to partial shade, tolerates wet and sandy soils, and requires minimal maintenance.

>>Jump to Planting & Care Instructions

Why You'll Love Forever Emerald™ Inkberry

• Dense, Evergreen Foliage – Lush, deep green leaves stay vibrant all year, even in winter.
• Full Growth from Top to Bottom – Unlike some Inkberries, this variety won't become leggy over time.
• Cold Hardy & Resilient – Thrives in USDA zones 4-9, tolerating heat, humidity, and cold temperatures.
• Ideal Boxwood Replacement – Provides the same formal, structured look with improved disease resistance.
• Tolerates Wet & Sandy Soils – One of the few evergreens that flourishes in damp conditions.
• Drought-Resistant & Low Maintenance – Once established, requires minimal watering and pruning.
• Deer & Pest Resistant – A fantastic choice for gardens where deer and rabbits are common visitors.
• Compact, Versatile Growth – Grows 2-3 feet tall and wide, making it perfect for hedges, borders, and container gardens.

Best Ways to Use Forever Emerald™ in Your Landscape

With its neat, structured growth and reliable foliage, this Inkberry Holly is perfect for a variety of landscape applications. Try using it to:

• Create a Formal Evergreen Hedge – Its compact shape and dense growth make it ideal for low-maintenance privacy screens and property defining hedges.
• Frame Walkways & Entryways – Adds year-round structure and curb appeal. Perfect for foundation hedges and year-round color!
• Replace Boxwood for a Healthier Alternative – Resistant to Boxwood Blight and better suited for damp soils.
• Backdrops & Landscape Definition – Provide an evergreen backdrop for your garden beds and landscaping!
• Plant Along Water Features & Rain Gardens – Thrives in moist or occasionally wet soils. As long as they are in well-drained soil
• Use in Containers for a Refined Look – Adds elegance to patios, decks, and porches in decorative pots.

Simple Growing & Care Guide

Inkberry Hollies are very easy to grow and a breeze to maintain! Read the details here!

• Sunlight: Grows well in full sun to partial shade; tolerates some shade but thrives with at least 4-6 hours of direct light.
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil, but adapts to sandy, acidic, and even wet conditions.
• Watering: Moderate; keep well-watered when newly planted, then reduce frequency once established.
• Mulch: Spread a 3-4 inch deep layer of mulch around these plants to combat weeds and retain soil moisture.
• Pruning: Minimal pruning or shearing needed—shape lightly in early spring after flowering to maintain form.
• Spacing: Plant 3-4 feet apart for a seamless hedge or border, or loosen the spacing for a more informal hedge.

Order Forever Emerald™ Inkberry Today – Now Available at Nature Hills Nursery!

For year-round structure, easy care, and unmatched resilience, Forever Emerald™ Inkberry is an essential addition to any garden. Whether you're looking for a stylish hedge, a reliable Boxwood alternative, or an adaptable evergreen, this shrub delivers beauty with minimal effort!

Now available at Nature Hills Nursery, where we provide top-quality, well-rooted plants backed by our product guarantee and Plant Sentry™ protection. Order today and enjoy the timeless appeal of Forever Emerald™ Inkberry in your landscape!

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Forever Emerald™ Inkberry grow?
It reaches 2-3 feet in height and width, forming a dense, compact shrub that stays full from top to bottom!

Does this Inkberry stay green all year?
Yes! Forever Emerald™ is a broadleaf evergreen, meaning its lush green foliage remains vibrant throughout all seasons.

Can I use Forever Emerald™ Inkberry as a hedge?
Absolutely! Its uniform shape and dense foliage make it ideal for low hedges, property borders, and walkway edging.

Does this shrub tolerate wet soil?
Yes! Unlike many evergreens, Inkberry Holly thrives in moist, even slightly boggy soils, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens.

How often should I prune this Inkberry?
Minimal pruning is required—trim lightly in early spring to maintain its natural shape.

Is Forever Emerald™ deer-resistant?
Yes! This Inkberry is naturally resistant to deer and rabbits, making it a great choice for wildlife-prone areas.

Why Order From Nature Hills Nursery?

Nature Hills Nursery is committed to bringing the highest-quality plants to your door. Join thousands of happy customers and get all your planting needs at Nature Hills! We guarantee our plants for their first year! Check out lifelong support and landscaping ideas in our #ProPlantTips Garden Blog and online at customer-support.naturehills.com!