{"product_id":"gem-box-inkberry","title":"Gem Box® Inkberry","description":"\u003cdiv id=\"pageSummary\" class=\"layoutA\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGem Box® Inkberry Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003cem\u003e(Ilex glabra\u003c\/em\u003e ‘SMNIGAB17’) is an exceptional compact broadleaf evergreen shrub prized for its glossy dark green foliage, naturally rounded growth habit, and dense branching that extends all the way to the ground. This improved selection of native Inkberry Holly offers the attractive, polished appearance of traditional boxwood while providing the ecological benefits and adaptability of a North American native species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn spring, Gem Box® produces a fresh flush of small, glossy green leaves with attractive reddish tips that create subtle seasonal color. Small greenish-white flowers appear among the foliage, providing a valuable nectar source for bees and other beneficial pollinators. Although the flowers are relatively inconspicuous, they contribute to the plant's wildlife value.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThroughout summer, fall, and winter, Gem Box® maintains its dense, naturally rounded appearance with rich dark green foliage. Unlike many traditional Inkberry Holly varieties that can become sparse or bare near the base as they mature, Gem Box® was specifically selected for its compact, well-branched growth habit and excellent foliage coverage from top to bottom.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGem Box® is especially well suited for traditional landscapes, formal estate-style gardens, foundation plantings, and low evergreen hedges. Its small mature size makes it an excellent choice for walkway borders, garden edging, mass plantings, and organized landscape beds. Its naturally tidy form requires very little pruning, making it a practical choice for homeowners seeking a beautiful, low-maintenance evergreen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a cultivar of a species native to eastern North America, Gem Box® is also a valuable addition to native-inspired landscapes. Its preference for acidic, consistently moist soil makes it particularly useful in locations where traditional boxwood or Japanese Holly may struggle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMore About Gem Box® Inkberry Holly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative Broadleaf Evergreen Shrub\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCompact, Naturally Rounded Growth Habit\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDense, Boxwood-Like Appearance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGlossy Dark Green Foliage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttractive Reddish Spring Growth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Branching to the Ground\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSmall Greenish-White Spring Flowers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePollinator Friendly\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttracts Native Bees and Other Beneficial Insects\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFemale Cultivar\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlack Berries Possible with Compatible Male Pollinator\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerally Deer Resistant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMoist Soil Tolerant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrefers Acidic Soil\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLow Maintenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExcellent Boxwood Alternative\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLow Evergreen Hedge\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoundation Planting, Walkway Border, Garden Edging, Mass Planting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOutstanding Four-Season Interest\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 2–3 Feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpread:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 2–3 Feet\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness Zone:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 5–9\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCharacteristics\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSun Exposure:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Full Sun to Partial Shade\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeason of Interest:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Moisture:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Average to Moist; Prefers Consistent Moisture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAttributes:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Native Species Cultivar, Broadleaf Evergreen, Compact, Deer Resistant, Pollinator Friendly, Boxwood Alternative\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFoliage Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Glossy Dark Green with Reddish New Growth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Greenish-White\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBerry Color:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Black, When Pollinated\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlower Fragrance:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Not Significant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare \u0026amp; Maintenance Tips\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlant in full sun to partial shade in acidic, moisture-retentive soil. Gem Box® performs best with at least four hours of direct sunlight daily and prefers soil that remains consistently moist without prolonged drought.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid highly alkaline soils, which may cause yellowing foliage and reduced vigor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor low hedges or mass plantings, space plants approximately 2–3 feet apart, depending on the desired density and landscape design.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Gem Box® prefers consistent moisture and should not be allowed to dry out for extended periods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOnce established, it can tolerate occasional dry conditions, but supplemental watering is recommended during prolonged summer droughts. A layer of organic mulch helps retain moisture and maintain healthy soil conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFertilizing:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApply a balanced slow-release fertilizer formulated for acid-loving evergreens in spring if needed. Avoid excessive fertilization and unnecessary lime applications, as Gem Box® performs best in acidic soil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGem Box® naturally maintains a compact, rounded growth habit and generally requires little to no pruning.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf shaping is desired, lightly trim in late spring after new growth has emerged. Its dense branching responds well to selective pruning, making it suitable for formal low hedges and structured foundation plantings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinter Care:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGem Box® retains its foliage throughout winter, providing valuable year-round evergreen structure. In exposed locations, winter winds and frozen soil may contribute to leaf discoloration or winter burn.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain adequate soil moisture before the ground freezes and apply mulch around the root zone, keeping it away from the main stems.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePest Prevention:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGem Box® does not suffer from the major boxwood-specific diseases and pests that affect traditional boxwood, including boxwood blight and box tree moth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMonitor periodically for common holly pests, including scale insects, leaf miners, and spider mites. Maintain acidic soil conditions, adequate moisture, and good air circulation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePollination Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGem Box® is a female cultivar and requires a compatible male Inkberry Holly for berry production. Squeeze Box® Inkberry Holly is a recommended male pollinator. Without a suitable male plant nearby, Gem Box® will generally not produce black berries.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hunterdon Tree and Shrub","offers":[{"title":"3 Gallon","offer_id":50699035541744,"sku":"Gem Box","price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0746\/5680\/9200\/files\/images_15_2e487f2f-1c6b-4912-b2fb-a910080abe3d.jpg?v=1793391085","url":"https:\/\/hunterdontree.com\/products\/gem-box-inkberry","provider":"Hunterdon Tree \u0026 Shrub","version":"1.0","type":"link"}