About This Plant
A compact evergreen with a polished, boxwood-like look, Ilex Gem Box® brings year-round structure without demanding much space. Its dense, glossy green foliage forms a naturally rounded shape, making it an excellent choice for edging, foundation plantings, containers, and small garden spaces. Tough, tidy, and easy to maintain, it adds reliable evergreen interest in every season.
Planting & Care
How to Plant
Choose a spot with 3–6 hours of sun, ideally morning sun. Dig a hole 2–3 times as wide as the pot but no deeper, with the top of the root ball slightly above ground level. Loosen circling roots and backfill with the native soil. Prefers acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water deeply after planting and add 2–3 in of mulch, keeping it off the stems. Hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Watering & Feeding
Water deeply 1–2 times a week for the first season, about 1 in per week. Once established, it's drought tolerant and only needs water during long dry spells. Feed in spring with a fertilizer for acid-loving plants.
Pruning & Seasonal Care
Prune in late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches any time. Mulch in late fall to protect roots through the first winter.