Gem Box® Inkberry holly

Gem Box® Inkberry holly is the compact, mounded female selection Ilex glabra 'SMNIGAB17', valued for its small evergreen leaves and red-tipped spring growth. It matures about 2–3 feet high and wide, with a dense outline suited to a low hedge, border, edging or container. Plant it in full sun to part sun and moist, acidic soil; Proven Winners lists USDA zones 5a–9b. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/gem-box-inkberry-holly-ilex-glabra) ## Landscape Use Its rounded shape branches close to the ground, making it a compact choice for edging, borders, mass planting, a low hedge or a container specimen. Proven Winners also presents it as a native alternative to boxwood and lists it as deer-resistant. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/gem-box-inkberry-holly-ilex-glabra) ## Seasonal Interest New leaves show red tips in the spring flush, while the evergreen foliage adds fall and winter interest. Small greenish-white spring flowers are secondary to its foliage display. The selection is female and may produce berries when a male inkberry such as Squeeze Box grows within about 50 feet (15 m), so fruit depends on a nearby pollinizer. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/gem-box-inkberry-holly-ilex-glabra) [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-glabra/) ## Cultivar Identity Spring Meadow Nursery developed the selection, sold as Gem Box® by Proven Winners. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency lists ‘SMNIGAB17’ as the denomination and Gem Box as its trade name, with Canadian Plant Breeders’ Rights certificate 5629 granted in 2017. The selection is also identified by U.S. Plant Patent 27,554, issued January 17, 2017. [Canadian Food Inspection Agency](https://active.inspection.gc.ca/english/plaveg/pbrpov/cropreport/ink/app00009719e.shtml) [Patent record](https://patents.justia.com/patent/PP27554) ## Maintenance Keep the soil moist and acidic. Trim to shape in late winter and apply an evergreen fertilizer in spring, following the breeder’s care notes. Proven Winners rates routine care as easy; NC State’s species profile notes that inkberry tolerates occasional wet soil and generally needs little pruning. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/gem-box-inkberry-holly-ilex-glabra) [NC State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ilex-glabra/)