Inkberry Holly

About this plant

Ilex glabra 'Densa', commonly known as Inkberry Holly, is a superior choice for discerning gardeners seeking an elegant and low-maintenance broadleaf evergreen. This cultivar stands out with its dense, compact habit and small, spineless, dark green leaves that resemble boxwood, providing a sophisticated backdrop for other plantings or serving as a refined standalone specimen. Unlike traditional hollies, Inkberry Holly lacks the prickly leaves, making it a garden-friendly option for areas with foot traffic or pets. In the fall and winter, a delightful display of small, black, berry-like drupes emerges, adding subtle charm and providing a valuable food source for local bird populations. Its adaptability to various soil conditions, including wetter sites, and its resilience make 'Densa' Inkberry Holly an excellent selection for foundation plantings, informal hedges, or mass plantings where a consistent, deep green presence is desired throughout all seasons.

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

Inkberry Holly is relatively low-maintenance. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain desired shape and size, or to remove any dead or crossing branches. Minimal pest or disease issues are typically observed.

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.