Ilex glabra 'Densa'
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Densa holds a tight rounded shape without going leggy at the base, which is the failing that ruins most inkberry hollies after a few years. Ilex glabra 'Densa' is a native broadleaf evergreen growing 3 to 4 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide in part sun to part shade, hardy from Zone 5 through Zone 8.
The leaves are small, glossy, and dark green, holding through winter, which makes this a workable native alternative to boxwood for a low hedge or foundation planting.
Black berries follow small greenish flowers on female plants and persist into winter for songbirds. Inkberry is a host plant for Henry's elfin butterfly.
This grows wild in coastal swamps and wet woods, so it takes wet ground where boxwood would rot, and it wants acidic soil. Alkaline ground turns the leaves yellow. Deer leave it alone.
Height 3'- 4' Spread 4'- 5'
USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8
Lowest Temperatures -20°F to -10°F
Part sun to part shade - 3 to 6 hours of direct sun, or dappled light through the day
Henry's Elfin
AL, CT, DE, FL, GA, LA, MA, MD, ME, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, TX, VA
