Light Needs
Mature Height
Mature Spread
Growing Zones
The Nigra Inkberry Holly, Ilex glabra 'Nigra', is recognized for its winter foliage and fruit. It is a tough evergreen that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. This Holly is very versatile and has many uses. The blooms it develops are small white flowers in the spring. It is tolerant to deer, wind, heat, and wet soils.
The foliage is a deep rich green and the leaves are small and round. It blooms petite white flowers in the spring which are followed by black drupes. It attracts birds and butterflies and resists deer. The Nigra Inkberry Holly has a spread of up to three feet and a spread of up to eight feet. It has an upright, clump, growing habit making it a perfect border plant. It does well with mass planting or can be planted as a focal point and foundation planting.
Nigra Inkberry Holly Care
Plant the Nigra Inkberry Holly in full to part sun. While it is highly adaptable, soil should be well drained and moist. It prefers soil that has low pH. It is more tolerant that most Hollies to wet and shady areas. Fertilize with general fertilizer in the spring. Pruning is not necessary but can be done in the spring to shape. The water needs are average for this Holly.
Nigra Inkberry Holly Spacing
Spacing for the Nigra Inkberry Holly is eighteen to twenty-four inches, center on center. Giving your plant proper space to grow healthy roots will keep your plant healthy for years to come.
Nigra Inkberry Holly Plant Facts
Growing Conditions
- Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones
- USDA Zones 5 to 9 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop)
- Sun Exposure
- Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun)
- Mature Height
- 3 - 4 Feet
- Mature Spread
- 3 - 4 Feet
- Plant Spacing
- 3 - 4 Feet
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Growth Habit
- , Mounded, Upright
- Water Needs
- Average
Flowers & Foliage
- Flower Colors
- , White
- Flower Description
- White
- Bloom Time
- Late Spring
- Blooms On
-
New Wood
?
"Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune.
- New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms.
- Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms.
- Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms.
- When to Prune
- Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts
- Foliage Color
- , Green
- Foliage Description
- Dark Green
- Foliage Type
- , Evergreen
- Seasonal Interest
- , Winter Interest, Spring Flowering, 4 Season Interest
Garden Benefits
Plant Overview
- Plant Type
- Shrub
Simple Plant Spacing Calculator
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons
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We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days.
Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right.
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.
Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally.
This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states.
If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team!