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photo of Mike Farrow

Meet the Breeder

Mike Farrow
Maryland, USA

SKY BOX®

Holly - Japanese

Ilex crenata

'Farrowone'

PP#20,049

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Tall and narrow Sky Box Ilex crenata in landscape Dark evergreen Sky Box Japanese holly in garden
  • Evergreen
  • Shade tolerant
  • Versatile habit
Description

Stronger growing than 'Sky Pencil'. Add some architecture to your garden or decorative container with narrow, conical Sky Box® holly. Shiny, dark evergreen leaves and tight upright branching make this cultivar as handsome as it is versatile. Please note: this is the same plant that has been sold as Sky Pointer®; it has been renamed to Sky Box to designate it as a boxwood alternative.

USDA Zone
5 - 8 (-20°F/-28.9°C)
Exposure
Full sun, Part sun
Height
4 - 5'
Width
2 - 3'
Finish Time
1 season
Type
Evergreen
Bloom Time
Spring
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Liner Sizes
2 1/4", 4", Quick Turn

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.

  • Plant of the Week: Plant of the Week December 26, 2019
  • Tag: Sky Box® Ilex Tag
  • Benchcard: Sky Box® Ilex Benchcard
  • Spec Sheet: Sky Box® Ilex Spec Sheet
  • Grower Sheet: Sky Box® Ilex Grower Sheet
  • Boxwood Liners

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

    Filters: Botanical genus: Ilex, Common name: Holly - Japanese, Retail program: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, 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: Proven Winners® ColorChoice®, USDA Zone 5, USDA Zone 6, USDA Zone 7, USDA Zone 8, Exposure: Full sun, Exposure: Part sun, Bloom time: Spring, White flowers, Green foliage