Maybe Ilex crenata 'Helleri'. What is the growth habit?

It has been in a pot for 3 years.... seems to be thriving. Is very dense in growth, now about 18 ins to 2 ft high.... very glossy evergreen, very attractive. Rounded in shape, seems to need no attention. Leaves vaguely resemble a small holly, but softer and only slightly serrated. Do you think this could be successfully planted into a garden bed? It seems very happy on a sunny patio.... never any winter damage.

I now believe this to be Ilex crenata "convexa".... can anyone tell me how big it will grow, out of a pot? (It is about 2 ft high in a small pot, and thriving.)

It can get to about 8 ft. tall.
I used to trim this one into the shape of a face, but I haven't been keeping up with it lately. Guess I better get to it.
{{gwi:1086025}}

I think what I have is ilex crenata "convexa".... which I was told grows to max. 4ft. I hope so, otherwise I'll have to move it again!

It won't, of course grow 4' tall and then stop, yet remain vital and attractive.

It is not a dwarf cultivar. Other non-dwarf Japanese hollies here have grown 20' tall, over a long enough period of time.

Mine IS Ilex crenata, 'Convexa', and is at least eight feet tall after 30 years and still putting on height each year with no end in sight. I have a lot of them.

They trim well, better than Boxwood, in my opinion. Maybe you don't have to move it.
{{gwi:1086026}}

Slow but steady and persistent, like rhododendrons and many other broad-leaved evergreens. Some kinds may live for centuries.

Dwarf and slow-growing conifers are another group where yards with plantings going back 50-70 years will have 20'-40' trees that were planted originally as small shrubs.