Shrub
Gallberry
Ilex glabra
Varieties We Carry
StandardIlex glabra
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$14.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size5-8 feet × spreading by root suckers; 4-8 feet
About Gallberry
Inkberry (Ilex glabra) is a native evergreen holly found across the eastern United States in wet flatwoods and coastal plains, producing small glossy black berries that persist through winter and provide critical wildlife food. It forms suckering colonies and is widely used in rain gardens and native landscapes. Starting at $14.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Wet, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Grows in full sun to partial shade; full sun maximizes flowering and berry production. Avoid high-pH or alkaline sites, which cause chlorosis — a common problem in NE Florida near shell-rich soils.
Water
Tolerates wet, moist, and periodically dry soils once established. Ideal for rain gardens and wet flatwood edges. Water regularly to establish; avoid high-pH water or alkaline soils, which cause yellowing.
Soil & Fertilizer
Requires moist to wet, acidic (pH 4.5–5.5), sandy or loamy soil. Fertilize with an acid-forming fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen feeds. Mulch to maintain soil moisture and acidity.
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Common questions
Is Gallberry a good plant for St. Augustine?
Gallberry is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 5-8 feet × spreading by root suckers; 4-8 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.