Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
84 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Long-lived evergreen shrub
Native To
Japan, Korea, Taiwan
Toxicity
Berries are mildly toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Ilex crenata, or Japanese Holly, is a dense, multi-branched evergreen shrub with small, spineless leaves, often used as a boxwood substitute. It produces small black berries on female plants. 'Red Sky' is distinguished by its striking red new growth in spring, which matures to a glossy dark green. It has an upright, columnar habit, making it excellent for narrow spaces.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location with at least 4-6 hours of sun for best color.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained and acidic.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
- Gently tease apart circling roots before placing in the hole.
- Backfill with soil, ensuring the plant is at its original depth.
- Water well and apply a 2-inch layer of acidic mulch like pine straw.
Pro Tip
The red new growth is most vibrant in full sun. Site accordingly for the best color display.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Provide consistent moisture, especially during establishment.
- Prune lightly after the spring growth flush to maintain its columnar shape.
- Plant in acidic soil or amend soil to lower pH.
- Use as a vertical element in narrow garden spaces.
Don't
- Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soil.
- Avoid alkaline soils, which cause chlorosis (yellowing leaves).
- Do not let it dry out completely, which can cause leaf drop.
- Avoid heavy shearing, which can spoil its natural form.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Red Sky Holly questions
What zones can Red Sky Holly grow in?
Red Sky Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Red Sky Holly deer resistant?
Yes — Red Sky Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Red Sky Holly bloom?
Red Sky Holly typically blooms in late spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Red Sky Holly need full sun?
Red Sky Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Ilex to compare
Gem Box Inkberry Holly
Ilex glabra 'Gem Box'
Sky Pencil Holly
Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
Dwarf Pagoda Holly
Ilex crenata 'Dwarf Pagoda'
Mr Poppins Holly
Ilex x meserveae 'Mr Poppins'
Blue Holly Berry Poppins
Ilex x meserveae 'Berry Poppins'
Blue Prince Holly Blue Princess Holly
Ilex x meservae 'Blue Prince Princess'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Red Sky Holly with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
