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Low stock: 6 left
Ilex glabra 'SMNIGAB17'
Choose Gem Box® Inkberry Holly if you want a boxwood-like evergreen without using boxwood, especially where soil stays damp. The tradeoff: it will not make a tall screen, and it works best with steady soil moisture.
Buy This If
You want a rounded evergreen shrub.
Your soil stays evenly damp.
Boxwood problems make you nervous.
Skip This If
You need a fast privacy screen.
Your site dries out often.
You want a large specimen shrub.
PGNE Report Card
Category
Grade
Why
Landscape Impact
B
It gives a clean, rounded evergreen look, but the effect is quiet rather than showy.
Growth Rate
C+
It builds slowly enough for easy edging, so impatient screen projects should look elsewhere.
Maintenance
A-
Light pruning keeps it tidy, and heavy shearing is usually unnecessary.
Deer Resistance
B-
Inkberry is a native holly deer usually pass over, though hungry deer may sample it where pressure is heavy.
Small Space Fit
A
Its naturally compact shape makes it useful near walks, entries, and small beds.
Screening Value
C
Use it for low definition, not for blocking views or neighbors.
Our Experience
At PGNE, we'd typically recommend Gem Box® when a customer wants the boxwood look but has damper soil. Give it a clean edge, mulch lightly, and avoid forcing it into a tall hedge role.
Plant Facts
Botanical Name
Ilex glabra 'SMNIGAB17' (Gem Box)
Common Name
Gem Box Inkberry Holly
Mature Height
2-3 ft
Mature Width
2-3 ft
Hardiness Zones
5a-9b
Spacing
2-2.5 ft
Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture
Average to moist
Growth Habit
Rounded, dense, compact
Evergreen
Yes
Native
Yes (inkberry is native to the eastern U.S., including New England)
Customers Usually Ask
Is this a boxwood substitute?
Yes for the look, but it prefers steadier soil moisture than boxwood.
How much pruning does it need?
A light touch after new growth is enough for most hedges.
Is it deer resistant?
Yes, inkberry is generally deer-resistant, though hungry deer may sample it where pressure is heavy.
They're very "leggy" right now but that's not unexpected in the fall. Otherwise, they look healthy, and we're looking forward to seeing them next year.
Showed up on time and planted it perfectly. I indicated a light we had to illuminate it and they placed it for optimal lighting. Worked fast and left a clean worksite. First rate!
Installation Service
Jon Kenyon
Really great website, communication and installation. Very happy customer and would recommend them.
Fairview Juniper
Anonymous
They delivered three trees: a big linden, a big poplar and a little spice bush with install on the big trees. The install guys were great and professional and fast. All the trees looked good with minimal damage.
Northern Spicebush
Joseph Sico
I went up there today from Quincy MA to pick up two Blue Wichita Junipers and they were absolutely beautiful. Thank you, Chris and everybody from Pro Growers of New England!
Wichita Blue Juniper
Aileen Maconi
The plants are beautiful and all 13 were consistent in height and width. And at a fraction of the cost of other garden centers. Having the team that delivered them do the planting was one of the best values I can think of. They did a great job from start to finish and even helped me with my watering system which they didn’t have to do!