Evergreen Shrub – Heller’s Japanese Holly

Heller’s japanese holly 

Botanical name: Ilex crenata ‘helleri’ 

Beginner friendly?: yes 

Average size at maturity: 2-4 ft in height with a spread of 3-5 ft 

Bloom time: spring 

Hardy zone: zones 5-8

Flower color: white 

Foliage color: green 

Growth rate: grows 3-4 inches per year 

Pruning instructions: lightly prune in the late winter/early spring

Propagation methods: propagate with cuttings 

Landscape use: hedge, border, foundation planting, container plants 

Special features: dwarf shrub, deer resistant, clay tolerant 

Light needs: 4-6 hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering sessions 

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced slow-release fertilizer once a year in the early spring

Best time to plant: spring, summer, fall 

Best type of soil: adaptable to most soils 

Companion plants: gardenias, abelias, azaleas, loropetalums 

Toxicity level: mildly toxic for humans and pets if ingested 

Invasive species: yes