Sky Pencil Holly

Uses: A popular, versatile evergreen! Perfect for narrow spaces and accent pieces! 

Benefits: Provides stunning green color all year! Fast growing! Thrives in containers and in gardens! 

USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 9

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Life Cycle: Perennial 

Mature Height: 8' - 10'

Mature Width: 2' - 3'

Bloom Season: May - June

A sophisticated holly with mass appeal! 

Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'—commonly referred to as the Sky Pencil Japanese Holly Tree—is a beautiful evergreen shrub with a unique, columnar form and branches that grow skyward! It will reach heights of up to 10 feet and grows quickly, making it an ideal choice for large garden spaces and dramatic accent pieces. Its dark green leaves are glossy and the shrub is dense, making it ideal for use as a garden barrier or screen. Sky Pencil Holly thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it easy to care for.

Introduced by the US National Arboretum, Sky Pencil is known to develop small, white, insignificant flowers in late spring. She's a female cultivar who needs a local male in order to produce fruit, and will produce small, black holly berries in the fall if pollinated. 

Maintains shape without much pruning.

Very hardy and durable in the landscape.

Perfect for areas without a lot of room. Does not take up a lot of space! 

Drought tolerant once established! 

Sky Pencil Holly Care

Provide full sun to partial shade. Too much shade will cause growth issues. 

Fertilization is suggested, especially if soil is poor. Our slow release fertilizer is a great option. Fertilize in spring. 

Naturally grows as a tight, tall, and narrow shrub. New growth may be trimmed to shape in late spring, following the plant’s natural habit. Keep well-watered after trimming to prevent browning of edges. Do not cut too hard or cut into thick stems, which will result in slow recovery.

Water regularly, especially after planting prior to establishment. Attempt to keep soil moist but not wet. Once established, 'Sky Pencil' is able to tolerate a degree of dry soil.

Mulching around the base will help to trap ground moisture. 

This Japanese holly prefers soil that is well draining. 

Space 3' apart at a minimum.

Size of Japanese Holly for Sale Online

The Sky Pencil Japanese Holly that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.

Size of Japanese Holly When Mature

Sky Pencil Japanese Holly will reach mature heights of 8' - 10' and mature widths of 2' - 3'. 

What is the botanical name of Sky Pencil Japanese Holly?

Its botanical name is Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'.

Toxicity and Risks of Sky Pencil Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata is considered to be mildly toxic to pets and people due to the saponins present in its berries and sap. Ingestion may cause vomiting, drooling, gastrointestinal upset, etc.