Description
The Holly – Japanese Sky Pencil (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil') is an elegant evergreen shrub with a strikingly narrow, upright growth habit—ideal for tight spaces or dramatic vertical accents. Its columnar form reaches up to 8 feet tall and just 24 inches wide, making it a favorite for modern garden designs, container plantings, and entryway flanking. This versatile shrub thrives in Zones 6 to 8 and tolerates full sun to part shade.
Sky Pencil features glossy, dark green evergreen foliage that retains its vibrancy through winter. When planted near a male pollinator, it produces ornamental black berries from mid-fall to winter, attracting birds and adding seasonal interest. With minimal pruning needed, it flourishes in acidic, well-draining soils and adapts well to urban conditions. Low maintenance yet visually impactful, Sky Pencil Holly brings lasting structure and beauty to landscapes large and small.
Each plant comes in a #3 (3 gallon) growers container. The image shown represents an example of what you may receive. Please note that the height, shape, and fullness of each plant may vary due to natural growth patterns. Rest assured, we will select the healthiest and most vibrant plant for you.
Plant Specs:
Botanical Name: Ilex Crenata Sky Pencil
Light: full sun – part shade
Watering: regular watering
Soil: acidic, well draining soil
Zone: 6 – 8
Plant Shape: columnar
Plant Type: evergreen shrub
Mature Size: height (8'), width (24″)
Blooming Season: spring
Have any questions or need help finding the right plant? Reach out to our Customer Service team using the blue chat function on the right to call, text, or email them. They are happy to help!
