shrub
Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
Sky Pencil Holly
$18.99
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Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
60 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Many decades
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
A narrow, columnar evergreen shrub, ideal for tight spaces and formal gardens. The Sky Pencil cultivar is notable for its unique upright growth habit, making it perfect for creating vertical accents.
Bloom Period:
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate
Uses & Benefits:
Sky Pencil Ilex crenata provides a sleek, vertical accent perfect for modern and formal gardens, maintaining lush greenery year-round.
Its dense foliage makes an excellent privacy screen or windbreak, reducing noise and wind exposure.
Serves as habitat for birds and beneficial insects, enhancing garden biodiversity.
Marketplace
Where to Buy
1+ Gal Pot
In Stock$18.99
In Stock$23.95
In Stock$26.95
In Stock$28.95
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a well-draining site with partial shade to full sun.
- Tuck young plants into prepared soil, ensuring roots are covered.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil around roots.
- Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune lightly to maintain desired shape and remove dead branches.
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Pro Tip
Use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Fertilize annually in early spring
- Monitor for pests and diseases
Don't
- Don't overwater; Ilex crenata prefers moist but well-drained soil ❌
- Avoid heavy trimming in late fall or winter
- Don't plant in full shade; it needs some sunlight
- Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers which can promote excessive growth
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Evergreen hedge with dense, dark foliageStructural accent in shrub bordersContainer planting for urban gardens
Companion Plants
Camellia Azalea Pieris Holly Ferns
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know