Helleri Japanese Holly is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a more or less rounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.

How big do Japanese holly trees get?

This dense, evergreen holly reaches 6 to 10 feet tall and at least as wide. The species is rarely used in landscapes, but there are many cultivars available with more interesting shape and color. This plant grows slowly, but can be invasive.

Does Japanese holly make a good hedge?

Like boxwood, Japanese holly plants tolerate shearing, which makes the shrub a good choice for an evergreen hedge.

How do you care for Helleri Holly?

Once established, the Helleri Holly is as self-sufficient as plants can be, so water during an extreme drought, but otherwise, this plant thrives on neglect. Use slightly acidic soil that allows for good drainage. Fertilize this Holly once every 2 to 3 years in the spring to promote new growth.

Is Japanese holly invasive?

Japanese Holly (Ilex crenata) is a tier 2 invasive species in the Lower Hudson Valley, which means its just starting to emerge as an invasive species in our region. While Japanese holly is not one that is typically used in holiday decorations, however it has been planted as an evergreen decorative shrub.

Does Japanese holly stay green all year?

Hetz’s Japanese holly is an evergreen shrub, but it is a broadleaved, rather than a needled, evergreen. Its glossy, delicate leaves can make it a great choice if you are in the market for a bush with dense foliage that stays green year-round.

Does Japanese holly grow fast?

This broadleaf evergreen shrub is a slow to moderate grower. The Japanese Sky Pencil holly growth rate is up to 6-12 inches per year. Because of the vertical nature of this hedge plant, it only gets 2-3 feet wide but can be pruned narrower if preferred. It can reach a mature height of 8-10 feet tall at maturity.

What is the best holly for a hedge?

Tight growers such as Japanese hollies and Meserve hollies (also known as blue hollies) make good hedges, as do English hollies, whose spiny leaves provide a useful barrier. For a thick, dense hedge, prune regularly.

Is there a dwarf Japanese holly?

The dwarf Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) is an evergreen broad-leaf shrub that is popular in the South and other mild regions. It fares best in U.S. Department of Agricultural plant hardiness zones 6 through 9.

How much sun does a Japanese holly need?

Japanese holly grows best in full sun to partial shade. This means it needs at least roughly three hours of direct sunlight on most days.

Do Japanese holly lose their leaves?

Once an evergreen like a Japanese holly drops its leaves, the root system is already dead. Lack of water is the No. 1 reason for this – especially for a new transplant planted in summer. Sometimes transplant shock will cause a new holly to drop leaves dramatically soon after planting.

When should I prune my Japanese holly?

Japanese holly tolerates heavier pruning than many other evergreen varieties. In late winter or early spring, remove dead, broken or diseased branches. If plants are too dense or overgrown, cut out up to 1/3 of the branches back to the main stem.

How do you prune Helleri holly?

Prune in late winter, before plants bud out in spring. Thin plants by cutting back to a lateral bud to encourage fullness within the shrub. Shear tops and sides lightly for a clipped hedge, tapering the plants so the top is slightly narrower than the bottom to prevent loss of foliage at the base of the plant.

What does Helleri holly look like?

Heller Holly is dense, rigid, and compact with a spreading mound and has non-showy, greenish-white flowers in the spring and small black drupes in the fall. Fruit is modestly and infrequently produced. The plant withstands heavy pruning and can be used for topiary.

Are Helleri holly deer resistant?

Appeal: Heller Japanese Holly is a female holly cultivar that has small, glossy, dark green evergreen foliage. Usually does not produce any flowers or fruits. Heller Japanese Holly is a deer resistant shrub good to use to create a low shrub border in your landscape.