Dwarf Pagoda Japanese Holly. This is one of the more quaint hollies that can be trained into all kinds of forms, particularly a bonsai. Although, one would swear that this is a Japanese introduction, it is not. It was introduced by Dr. Orton of Rutgers University in 1972 as a result of his breeding program. It is a female cultivar, and will produce black berries when it is old enough to flower, if it has a male pollinator. Pearl Friar of Bishopville, SC (the premier topiary artist of the Southeast), upon seeing this plant, grabbed a number of them and began describing some of the shapes he plans on creating with them. Part shade to full sun is its best growing environment. This is one of those many cultivars of plants that will grow completely differently in the South, with our warm nights, than it does anywhere else. It doesn't stay nearly as dwarf as in other areas of the country where nights are cooler, but it can still be easily trained.
Zone 6-9
