Maintenance Landscaping Design

Ilex glabra is a plant in the holly genus, ilex. the specific epithet, glabra, means "smooth", referring to the plant's leaves. this evergreen tree is native to the eastern united states, where it is found in woods and swamps. it grows to 20 meters (66 ft) tall with a trunk diameter of up to 60 centimeters (24 in). the leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate, with a serrated margin. the flowers are white, borne in spring. the fruit is a red drupe.

Also called

• black alder
  
• mountain holly
  
• inkberry
  
• winterberry
  
• dark Holly

Basic info

• Ilex glabra is a deciduous holly native to eastern North America.
  
• Ilex glabra is a dioecious species, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on separate plants.
  
• Ilex glabra typically grows to 15-20 feet in height.
  
• The leaves of Ilex glabra are oblong to elliptical in shape and have a glossy green surface with a smooth margin.
  
• Ilex glabra produces small, white flowers in the spring which are followed by black fruits (drupes) in the fall.
  
• The fruits of Ilex glabra are an important food source for a variety of wildlife species.
  
• Ilex glabra is commonly used as an ornamental plant in landscaping.
  
• Ilex glabra is tolerant of a range of soil types and pH levels but prefers moist, well-drained soils.
  
• Ilex glabra is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including scale, aphids, and leaf spot.
  
• Ilex glabra is considered to be an invasive species in some parts of its range.

Related plant:
Ilex Golden King

Growing Steps

1. For ilex glabra, first step is to cultivation. Ilex glabra needs to be grown in an acidic, humus-rich, well-drained soil.
   
2. Ilex glabra can be propagated by seed, but it is a slow process. It is best to propagate ilex glabra by rooting semi-ripe cuttings taken in summer.
   
3. Ilex glabra should be planted in a sunny location.
   
4. Ilex glabra should be watered regularly, especially during dry periods.
   
5. Ilex glabra should be fertilized every year in spring with an all-purpose fertilizer.
   
6. Ilex glabra should be pruned in late winter to early spring.
   
7. Ilex glabra is generally pest and disease free.
   
8. Ilex glabra can be used as a specimen plant or in hedges.
   
9. Ilex glabra is also suitable for growing in pots and containers.
   
10. Ilex glabra is an evergreen plant, meaning it will keep its leaves all year round.

Related plant:
Ilex Glabra Shamrock

The Soil

About soil condition, Ilex glabra (or inkberry) prefers moist to wet soil that is high in organic matter. This shrub also tolerates brackish water and salt spray, so it is a good choice for areas near the ocean. Ilex glabra is not particular about soil type, as long as it is well-drained. This shrub can even grow in poor, sandy soil.

Light requirement

So, like the other hollies, Ilex glabra thrives in full sun to partial shade, but it will produce the densest foliage and the most berries in full sun. In shade, the plant will be leggier and the berries will be fewer and smaller. Plant Ilex glabra in well-drained soil that is moist, but not soggy. If the soil is too dry, the leaves will yellow and drop.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition of Ilex glabra is optimal for growth between 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Above or below these temperature ranges, the plant's growth will begin to suffer. Ilex glabra is a hardy plant, however, and can withstand some fluctuations in temperature, as long as they are not extreme.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is between 50-60%. Ilex glabra is a species of holly that is native to the southeastern United States. The plant is tolerant of a wide range of soils and prefers a site with full sun to partial shade. Ilex glabra is also known as inkberry and winterberry. The plant produces small, black berries that are popular with birds.

Fertilizing

The fertilizer, this family of plant need is a 3-1-2 or 4-1-2 fertilizer, applied at the rate of 11/2 pounds per 100 square feet in early spring. Ilex glabra, commonly called inkberry or winterberry, is a dense, rounded, deciduous holly that typically matures to 6-15’ tall and as wide. It is native to bogs, swamps and wet woods from Nova Scotia to Minnesota south to Tennessee and Georgia. Leathery, oblong-elliptic, glossy, dark green leaves (to 3” long) have spineless margins. Leaves turn yellow in fall, but usually persist on the plant until late winter. Dense clusters of white flowers in late spring give way to bright red berries (to 1/3” wide) which mature in fall and persist through winter providing food for birds. Although berries are poisonous to humans, they are eaten by a variety of birds. This shrub may be grown in full sun to part shade. It prefers moist, organically rich,acidic, boggy to wet, well-drained soils, but it tolerates a wide range of other soils including moderately dry ones as long as they do not contain lime. Avoid sites with full sun and hot, humid conditions. Also, avoid sites with poor air circulation which can result in powdery mildew on the foliage.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is a necessary part of caring for an Ilex Glabra, also known as an inkberry. This shrub can grow to be quite large, so regular pruning is necessary to keep it looking its best. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or damaged branches first. Next, cut back any branches that are growing out of bounds. Finally, shape the shrub by pruning away any straggly branches. With regular pruning, your Ilex Glabra will remain healthy and look great in your landscape.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done by seed, although it can also be done by rooting stem cuttings. To propagate by seed, sow the seed in fall or early spring in a cold frame. To propagate by stem cuttings, take 6-8 inch cuttings from new growth in late spring or early summer and root in a sand-peat mixture.

Plant Growth

Usually, the plant growth rate is about 1 foot per year. However, young plants can grow up to 2 feet in a single year. Once ilex glabra reaches its maximum height, growth slows down significantly. ilex glabra is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions.

The Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include leaf spot, aphids, and scale. Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn brown and eventually fall off. Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and eventually die. Scale is a type of insect that feeds on the plant's bark, causing the plant to become weak and eventually die.

Tips on Growing

• If growing from seed, start with fresh seed that has been pretreated for storage.
  
• Sow seed in a well-drained, sandy soil mix and cover lightly with sand.
  
• Keep the soil moist but not wet and place the seedlings in a bright, warm location.
  
• Once the seedlings have true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
  
• Grow Ilex glabra in an acidic, humus-rich soil in full sun to partial shade.
  
• Water regularly during the growing season and fertilize monthly with an acid-loving plant fertilizer.
  
• Prune Ilex glabra after flowering to shape the plant and remove any dead or diseased branches.
  
• Ilex glabra is susceptible to scale, aphids and spider mites, so check your plants regularly for pests.
  
• Overwinter Ilex glabra indoors in a cool, bright

Similar Plants

• Ilex aquifolium (Common Holly)
  
• Ilex australis (Australian Holly)
  
• Ilex asprella (American Holly)
  
• Ilex barrosoensis (Barroso Holly)
  
• Ilex begonifolia (Begonia-leaved Holly)
  
• Ilex bioritsensis (Rio Tinto Holly)
  
• Ilex bouetii (Guadeloupe Holly)
  
• Ilex brachyacantha (Chinese Holly)
  
• Ilex brevistyla (Mozambique Holly)
  
• Ilex buergeri (Buerger's Holly)

Source:
UNF - UNF Landscape - Ilex glabra - Gallberry - University of North Florida
Inkberry (Ilex glabra) - Selecting Shrubs for Your Home
Ilex glabra habit: UIPLANTS - University of Illinois Urbana …