What is dwarf Japanese holly?

A dwarf Japanese holly is a solid evergreen shrub with tiny oval leaves that grows to a height of approximately 30 inches and spreads to about 18 inches, according to the Chalet Nursery. When planted near a male bush, the female produces lustrous black berries.

Although the flowers are unremarkable, the berries are plentiful from mid-fall through late winter. The Japanese holly makes an excellent landscaping shrub in a walkway border or rock garden, as well as in a patio container. It is a slow grower but is very hardy. The shrub looks best when not pruned, and birds are attracted to it. The life expectancy is about 50 years.