Images Depict Mature Plants
Sky Pencil Holly
Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
“The Sky Pencil Holly is perfect for small gardens and formal landscapes. Its slender, vertical form brings elegance and structure without taking up much space. Whether you use it in containers, as an entryway accent, or in rows for a hedge, this holly delivers sophistication with very little care. For me, it’s one of the best choices when you want style and strength in a compact evergreen.”
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Delay shipping by leaving us a message at Checkout.
Share:
Sky Pencil Holly – Narrow Columnar Evergreen Shrub for Small Spaces and Elegant Borders
An architectural evergreen for tight spaces.
The Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’) is a unique, narrow columnar evergreen shrub that adds elegance and structure to any landscape. With its naturally upright, pencil-slim form, this holly is perfect for tight urban gardens, narrow borders, or modern landscapes where space is limited but style is a must.
Versatile design and year-round color.
Reaching 6–10 feet tall and only 2–3 feet wide, Sky Pencil Holly provides vertical height without spreading out. This makes it ideal for framing entryways, accenting patios, or planting along walkways. Its glossy, dark-green evergreen foliage holds color year-round, giving your landscape a polished and refined look in every season.
Perfect for hedges, containers, and accents.
Whether planted in rows as a living privacy screen or grown in large decorative pots, Sky Pencil Holly adapts beautifully to a wide range of landscape designs. It works especially well in formal gardens where its tall, slender form can be repeated for symmetry, or in modern landscapes as a sleek focal point.
Low-maintenance and resilient.
Hardy in USDA Zones 5–9, Sky Pencil Holly is both cold-hardy and heat-tolerant. It is also naturally deer-resistant and low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain height and density. With its versatility, elegance, and toughness, Sky Pencil Holly is a landscape designer’s favorite for adding structure and sophistication to any space.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 6 to 10 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 2 to 3 Feet |
| Classification: | Broad leaved evergreen shrub |
| Sunlight: | Full sun to part sun |
| Habit: | Upright, columnar |
| Flower Color: | Inconspicuous |
| Foliage: | Dark green |
| Pruning Season: | Prune anytime |
| Soil Condition: ` | Any well drained slightly acidic soil |
| Water Requirement: | Water well until established |
| Uses: | Extremely attractive when used as a focal point in the mixed border, foundation planting, or a specimen planting |
How to Care for Sky Pencil Holly
Be sure to read our planting instructions to ensure a healthy and happy Sky Pencil Holly for years to come!
How do I plant Sky Pencil Holly shrubs?
Choose a site with full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the shrub upright, backfill halfway, water thoroughly, then finish filling and water again. For hedges, space Sky Pencil Hollies 2–3 feet apart to create a seamless vertical screen. Apply a 2–3 inch mulch layer around the base to conserve soil moisture and regulate temperature, being careful to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk.
How often should I water Sky Pencil Holly?
Water deeply 1–2 times per week during the first year to help roots establish, adjusting based on rainfall. Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once established, Sky Pencil Holly becomes moderately drought-tolerant and will need supplemental water only during prolonged dry periods. Consistent watering in the first year is the key to long-term success.
When and how should I fertilize Sky Pencil Holly?
Feed in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreen shrubs. Apply evenly around the drip line and water well to activate nutrients. A single feeding in spring is usually enough, though a second light feeding in midsummer may boost growth in younger shrubs. Avoid fertilizing late in the season to prevent tender growth before frost.
Does Sky Pencil Holly need pruning?
Sky Pencil Holly requires very little pruning thanks to its naturally upright growth habit. Trim lightly in late spring or early summer if needed to maintain density or control height. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood, as hollies do not regrow from bare stems. For formal hedges, annual light trimming will keep the shrubs looking crisp and elegant.
