| Scientific Name | Ilex crenata 'Helleri' |
| Common Name | Helleri Japanese Holly |
| Hardiness Zone | 5 to 8 |
| Size | Dwarf, mounded, compact form. To 4' tall by 5' wide with age, generally much smaller. |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Exposure | Sun, semi-shade |
| Group | Shrub - Evergreen |
| Characteristics | Leaves alternate, simple, very small (1/2"), ovalish. Black stipules on the back of the leaves.
Lustrous dark green. Short petiole. Green stems turning grey green to grey brown in the second and third years. Very similar to Ilex crenata 'Compacta' but smaller leaf and smaller shrub. |
| Landscape Uses | Good for textural differences in foundation plantings. Good as a backdrop for miniatures roses or other perennials - helps the colour of the small flowers stand out. Can be used as a low hedge or in a formal landscape because of its dense rounded shape. |
Leaf
Photo credit: Lisa J. Miner