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| Ilex glabra
InkberryCulture: Moist acidic soils are best for this species, although a neutral pH is satisfactory. It is also salt tolerant and transplants easily. Full sun is best if adequate soil moisture is available, otherwise some shade is advisable. Because this species grows natively in swamps, care must be taken to keep the plant moist in late summer or it will suffer from leaf scorch and yellowing or browning. The use of an organic mulch will help keep soils moist. Old specimens of the species tend to become leggy over time as they lose their lower branches. The newer compact forms are therefore much preferable. Regular renewal pruning will help to keep plants from becoming leggy. Leaf spot may be an occasional problem in all areas and mites can be troublesome in hot climates. Usage: Being large and evergreen the species is useful in back of borders as large masses of foliage as a backdrop for more colorful flowering plants. It can also be sheared into hedges. |
