Return to Plant Finder

Clicking the following controls will change the main image displayed above.

‘Sky Pencil’

Holly - Japanese

Ilex crenata

'Sky Pencil'

Swipe to View More
Trio of very narrow Sky Pencil Ilex crenata planted in front of a stone wall "}
  • Evergreen
  • Space saving
  • Shade tolerant
Description

Long popular for its tight columnar growth, the aptly-named 'Sky Pencil' holly is an excellent accent for formal landscapes.

USDA Zone
6 - 8 (-10°F/-23°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
4 - 10'
Width
2 - 4'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Evergreen
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4"

Soil

Ideally, grow in moist acidic soils with good drainage. Tolerates urban conditions well, however.

Pruning

Seldom needed, but may be shaped in early summer if desired.

Uses

Superlative as a specimen or space-saving hedge. Very nice in containers, too.

Growing Tips

Maintains its narrow, columnar shape with little to no pruning. Chlorosis may occur on alkaline soils. Grows in shade, but color and form are best with some sun.

Features: Evergreen, Winter interest, Clay soil, Salt tolerant

Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Japanese, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage

Features: Evergreen, Winter interest, Clay soil, Salt tolerant

Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Japanese, Retail program: Local Roots®, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage