Proven Winners Inkberry Holly

About this plant

The 'Strongbox' Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra Color Choice Strongbox) is a distinguished compact evergreen that brings year-round verdant beauty to any garden. This exceptional Proven Winners selection is celebrated for its dense, rounded habit and finely textured, dark green foliage, offering a sophisticated alternative to traditional boxwood. Ideal for formal plantings, low hedges, or as an elegant foundation plant, 'Strongbox' maintains its neat shape with minimal pruning. Its slow, controlled growth ensures a tidy appearance, making it a low-maintenance yet high-impact addition to both contemporary and classic designs. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, 'Strongbox' is incredibly adaptable, thriving in a range of conditions once established. It's an excellent choice for adding evergreen structure and interest to your landscape.

Installation timing

When we're in season, outside of the winter months, our goal is to get your plants installed within about two weeks. That window gives us enough time to secure your plants from our supplier and find a spot on the schedule. Throughout the process we stay in touch through notifications and your existing client portal on the main A Cut Above website, which is separate from this landscaping plants shop.

Care & maintenance

Minimal pruning is needed to maintain its dense, rounded shape. Water regularly during dry spells, especially in its first year. Fertilize in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer.

Watering suggestions

Proper watering is the single most important factor in your plant's survival after installation. Newly installed plants have a limited root system and rely on you for consistent moisture while they establish.

• First 2 weeks: Water deeply every day (or every other day in cooler, wet weather), soaking the root ball and surrounding soil.
• Weeks 3–12: Water deeply 2–3 times per week, adjusting for rain, heat, and soil drainage.
• After establishment: Water deeply about once a week during the growing season, and more often in extreme heat or drought.
• How to check: Stick a finger 2–3 inches into the soil near the roots — if it's dry, it's time to water. Deep, less-frequent watering encourages strong roots; shallow daily sprinkles do not.
• Avoid: Overwatering (soggy, waterlogged soil) is just as harmful as underwatering and can drown roots.

Watering needs vary by plant, season, soil, and exposure. Because proper watering is the customer's responsibility after installation, please make sure you understand and can follow these suggestions before ordering.

Good to know: plants and trees purchased from and installed by A Cut Above include a one-year limited warranty from the date of installation. Because plant survival depends heavily on proper watering and care after installation, losses caused by improper care, neglect, animal or chemical damage, or extreme weather are not covered, and we must be given the chance to inspect a struggling plant before it's removed or replaced. Coverage is one replacement per plant. Read our warranty info.