Protected Series:
Zone: 5SQUEEZE BOX® INKBERRY
Ilex glabra Squeezebox® is a Proven Winners® selection of the native Inkberry holly, specifically bred to solve the common issue of "legginess" found in the species. Unlike older varieties that tend to lose their lower foliage and become bare at the base, Squeezebox® maintains a dense, upright, and mounded form from the ground up. Its foliage consists of small, lustrous dark green leaves that remain vibrant throughout the winter, providing a polished look year-round. Growing to a manageable 4 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, it offers a perfectly symmetrical silhouette that mimics the look of a classic boxwood but with the superior hardiness and disease resistance of a native holly.
Squeeze Box® thrives in full sun to partial shade, though more sun will result in a tighter, denser habit. It is an incredibly resilient shrub that thrives in moist, acidic soils and is quite tolerant of wet feet and boggy conditions where other evergreens might fail. This makes it an ideal choice for rain gardens, low-lying areas of the yard, or as a consistent structural hedge along foundations and walkways. Because it is a male cultivar, it will not produce berries, but it serves as an excellent pollinator for female Inkberries nearby. To maintain its crisp shape, a light pruning in early spring before new growth emerges is all that is required.
| PLANT | SIZE | TYPE | GALENA | ADD'L | DIG | SOON |
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To help this plant settle in and thrive, we recommend these standard planting practices: Plant in fertile, acidic, and well-draining soil, selecting a location that ranges from full sun to partial shade depending on the specific cultivar. These versatile shrubs generally prefer consistent moisture, especially during the first growing season to establish strong root systems, and they benefit from protection against harsh, drying winds. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead wood or to shape the plant, which encourages dense, healthy foliage and helps maintain a manageable size. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and maintain soil acidity, taking care to keep the material a few inches away from the crown to prevent stem rot.
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