Evergreen Shrub

A strikingly narrow, columnar Japanese holly ideal for vertical accents, hedging, and containers.

• • Vertical accents for entrances, patios, and terraces
• • Narrow hedges, parterre geometry, or formal punctuation in mixed borders
• • Containers where ground space is limited; modern, minimalist designs
• • Foundation plantings; privacy screens in tight side yards
• • Japanese- and woodland-inspired gardens with acidic soils

• Botanical NameIlex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
• Common NameSky Pencil Japanese holly
• Size & Growth6–10 ft tall (to 12 ft in ideal sites); 18–30 in wide; naturally tight columnar habit
• Hardiness ZonesUSDA 6–9 (Zone 5 with winter protection and excellent drainage)
• Foliage TypeEvergreen; small, glossy, dark-green leaves, fine texture; no spines
• Bloom TimeLate spring; inconspicuous white flowers
• Growth RateSlow to moderate
• Light RequirementsFull sun to part shade (4–8+ hours of direct sun for densest habit)
• Attracts PollinatorsModestly attracts small bees to flowers; berries (if set) interest birds
• Indoor FriendlyNot recommended for long-term indoor culture; best outdoors
• Container FriendlyExcellent; choose a large, well-drained container to prevent tipping
• Deer ResistantGenerally deer-resistant but not deer-proof
• Pet WarningLeaves/berries may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested
• FragrantNot notably fragrant (flowers very lightly scented)
• Cut FlowerNot typically used as a cut flower; stems can add structure in arrangements
• Grows Well WithGrows Well With Azaleas, camellias, hydrangeas, heuchera, hosta, Japanese maple, Nandina, ornamental grasses

• Planting InstructionsPlant in spring or fall in a hole 2–3× as wide as the root ball with the root flare slightly above soil grade; backfill with native soil improved with compost if needed; stake young plants in windy sites to maintain verticality.
• Soil MoistureKeep evenly moist, especially the first growing season; avoid waterlogged conditions—consistent moisture, not saturation.
• Soil TypeWell-drained, slightly acidic soils (pH ~5.5–6.5); loam or sandy loam preferred. Alkaline soils can cause chlorosis.
• HumidityHandles a wide range of outdoor humidity; in hot, dry spells increase watering and mulch to reduce stress and leaf scorch from wind.
• Pruning InstructionsMinimal pruning required. In late winter or early spring, lightly tip-prune to maintain a straight column; remove any splaying or crossing shoots. Avoid heavy shearing into old wood.
• Winter CareWater deeply before ground freeze and apply 2–3 in mulch. In colder/windy sites, wrap with breathable burlap or loosely tie to prevent snow/ice splay; ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
• Planting DepthSet the crown/root flare 1–2 in above surrounding soil; do not bury the stem. Loosen or slice circling roots at planting to encourage outward growth.
• FertilizationFeed in early spring with a slow-release, acid-forming fertilizer for evergreens. Avoid late-summer applications. Address chlorosis with sulfur or chelated iron if pH is high.
• Special CareFemale cultivar; for berries, plant with a compatible male Ilex crenata nearby. Monitor for spider mites/scale in heat; prevent Phytophthora by ensuring sharp drainage, especially in containers.

Notes: Sizes and performance vary by climate and site. Always confirm soil drainage and pH before planting for best results.