Inkberry Holly, also known as Ilex glabra, is a versatile and attractive evergreen shrub that is popular in gardens and landscapes. Two common cultivars of Inkberry Holly are ‘Compacta’ and ‘Shamrock’, each with their own distinct characteristics and growth habits.
1. Growth Habit:
– ‘Compacta’: This variety of Inkberry Holly has a more compact and rounded growth habit compared to other forms. It typically reaches a height of 3 to 4 feet and spreads up to 6 feet. Its dense foliage creates a neat and tidy appearance, making it a great choice for smaller gardens or as a border plant.
– ‘Shamrock’: On the other hand, ‘Shamrock’ Inkberry Holly grows slightly taller and wider than ‘Compacta’. It can reach a height and width of 4 to 5 feet. While it still maintains a relatively compact form, it may have a slightly more open growth habit compared to ‘Compacta’.
2. Foliage:
– ‘Compacta’: This cultivar of Inkberry Holly has deep green foliage that retains its color throughout the year. The leaves are smaller and more tightly packed, giving it a more refined and compact appearance.
– ‘Shamrock’: ‘Shamrock’ Inkberry Holly is known for its bright green foliage, which can add a vibrant touch to the landscape. The leaves are slightly larger compared to ‘Compacta’, but still maintain an attractive glossy appearance.
3. Suckering:
– ‘Compacta’: While Inkberry Holly, in general, has a tendency to sucker (produce new shoots from the base), ‘Compacta’ is reported to sucker less than other varieties. This can be beneficial if you prefer a cleaner and more contained look in your garden.
– ‘Shamrock’: Although not completely immune to suckering, ‘Shamrock’ Inkberry Holly is also known to have a reduced tendency to sucker compared to some other cultivars. This can be advantageous if you want to minimize maintenance and control the spread of the plant.
The main differences between ‘Compacta’ and ‘Shamrock’ Inkberry Holly lie in their growth habit, foliage color, and their tendency to sucker. ‘Compacta’ has a more rounded and compact growth habit, with smaller and denser foliage. ‘Shamrock’ grows slightly taller and wider, features bright green foliage, and has a reduced propensity to sucker. Both varieties can be excellent choices for adding structure, texture, and year-round interest to your garden or landscape design.
