Inkberry Holly

About this plant

Elevate your garden's aesthetic with the Inkberry Holly (Ilex glabra Nigra), a premium selection prized for its refined, dense foliage and versatile appeal. Unlike many hollies, its small, spineless leaves are a deep, glossy green, resembling boxwood for a classic, sophisticated look that remains vibrant through every season. This exceptional shrub produces an abundance of petite, dark black berries in fall and winter, providing a subtle yet striking contrast against its rich green canvas. These berries are a welcome food source for local bird populations, adding ecological value to its ornamental beauty. Perfect for formal hedges, foundation plantings, or as a graceful accent, Inkberry Holly thrives in a range of conditions and requires minimal maintenance once established. Its compact, upright habit makes it an ideal choice for both expansive estates and more intimate garden spaces, delivering enduring elegance with ease.

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

Plant in well-draining, acidic soil. Mulch annually to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain desired shape and density; it tolerates heavy pruning well. Fertilize lightly in spring if growth appears sluggish. Generally pest and disease resistant.

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.