Ilex glabra Forever Emerald™ - inkberry

DESCRIPTION

Forever Emerald™ inkberry
Ilex glabra Forever Emerald™ ('Alexander' or 'Peggy's Cove')

Forming a tight, compact mound, this dwarf, broadleaf evergreen has petite, dark green foliage that is much smaller than the typical Inkberry leaf giving it a Boxwood-like appearance. Perfect for use along walkways and edges in mass plantings, it adds a formal touch to any native landscape.

Benefits

Superb foliage shines all year
Perfect for grouping or massing
Great nectar source for small pollinators
Birds eat the small black berries well into winter
Tolerates hard pruning and a variety of conditions

Where did this native selection come from?

Ilex glabra Forever Emerald™ was discovered in the harsh seaside barrens of Nova Scotia, near Peggy’s Cove, in 1988. Arboretum Propagator Jack Alexander, a devoted holly enthusiast, noticed dwarf inkberries thriving along the rugged coastline, possibly shaped by generations of extreme conditions. He collected cuttings, and among those that rooted, Forever Emerald™ stood out for its tight, compact form and tiny leaves. Beyond its beauty, this native selection of inkberry provides essential cover and nectar for pollinators and supports wildlife with its small, jet-black berries—a perfect choice for both form and function in the landscape.

NATIVE INFO

Native Range

Wooded swamps, low woods, and thickets; mostly along the coast from Nova Scotia to Florida to eastern Texas.

Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)

INTERESTING FACTS

Inkberry honey is highly rated and is produced in parts of the Southeastern U. S. Beekeepers release bees from late April to early June to coincide with inkberry flowering time.

GROWING TIPS

Prefers average, to dry acidic well-drained soils in part shade.

Mature Size: 2-3' T x 3-4' W

Hardiness Zone: 5-8

Sun Exposure: Part shade

VIDEO

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American Beauties Offer Solution Based Plant Collections to Help you Choose

Quick Tips for Choosing Plants:

Planting a variety of native trees, shrubs, perennials and vines increases biodiversity and gives wildlife a source for food, cover and nesting
Choose a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees so birds and other wildlife will always be able to find shelter
Plant trees and large shrubs where they will block winter winds from the house and shade it in summer, that will save energy and lower your carbon footprint
Try your best to buy plants that were grown locally, your independent garden center will be your best bet
Think about ultimate height and width of the plant you choose, make sure it will fit the space you have for it when it's reached maturity
Plant nectar plants in groups, to attract butterflies and other beneficial insects more easily
Ask for help if you need it. Most garden centers either have a landscape designer on staff or they can give you a reference of a designer that is adept at native plant wildlife gardening. There will be upfront costs but they are small when compared to having to redo a landscape that wasn't what you really wanted

Our Plant Tags Hold the Secrets to Success

Choosing the right plants for your garden can seem like a daunting task but we’re here to help. Our horticulturists have spent a considerable amount of time researching and writing our beautiful, American Beauties plant tags to help you be successful. First of all, when you see an American Beauties branded pot at your garden center you can be confident that the plant is native to your area and a responsible choice.

When you look at our tag you’ll find information about the plants natural habitat. That will give you a clue to how it will work in your backyard. For instance if the plant is naturally founded and moist, shade and you have full sun, it’s not the plant for you. The “Features” section gives you an overview or plant description so you’ll know what to expect. While the “Benefits” section talks about the plants strong suits and how the plant will benefit wildlife.

A Special Note About Exposure

Full sun: Prefers six or more hours of direct sunshine a day
Partial shade: Thrives in three to six hours of daily sunshine
Shade: Generally does well with less than three hours of sun per day. Having said that even shade loving plants will struggle in extremely deep shade.

DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

Best Plants for Bees - Double sided printout for download

Best Plants for Butterflies - Double sided printout for download

Best Plants for Birds - Double sided printout for download