J.Heller of Newport, Rhode Island introduced the Japanese Helleri Holly into the US (from Japan) in 1936. This plant is hardy to the USDA Zone 5-8, with warmer climates and very acidic soils. If these plants are not grown in an acidic environment and the pH becomes too high, the plant will develop iron deficiency. Another problem in hot climates can become the presence of spider mites. Thielaviopsis is a problem for the shrubs, especially when they are under a lot of stress. Japanese ‘Helleri’ holly is a broad-leave evergreen shrub and spreads itself in a round shape to reach about 8 feet in height and 8 feet in diameter, growing at a rate of less than 12 inches a year. The Helleri prefers a warmer climate but can be grown in the north as long as the winters are not too cold. These plants are used as foundation plants, hedges, borders and in formal gardens. The fruit on the tree is a black fruit very small, about 1/4 inch in diameter. They only fruit in September – October, often till the early spring.

Watch out! Potted Japanese Hollies can leave fungal chlamydospores in the container. To prevent the spores from spreading, after removing the holly from the container, rinse it with a ten percent bleach solution.