Description
Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’), also known as Japanese Holly, is a unique, narrow, columnar evergreen shrub that provides vertical interest with its slim, upright growth habit. This compact holly variety features small, dark green, glossy leaves that retain their color year-round, adding structure and elegance to gardens without taking up much space. Its naturally slender form, which reaches 6 to 10 feet tall and only about 1 to 2 feet wide, makes it ideal for tight spaces, container plantings, formal gardens, or as a vertical accent.
Sky Pencil Holly thrives in full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 5-9. It performs well in well-draining, slightly acidic soil and is moderately drought-tolerant once established. While low-maintenance, this holly can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its desired height and shape. It is a dioecious plant, so if planted with a nearby male pollinator, female Sky Pencil Hollies may produce small black berries in fall.
This holly is pest-resistant and generally untroubled by deer, adding to its appeal for low-maintenance landscapes. Sky Pencil Holly’s unique, upright shape makes it perfect for flanking doorways, lining walkways, adding height to mixed borders, or creating privacy screens. Its vertical elegance and hardiness make it a versatile and striking choice for gardeners looking to add height without width in small or formal landscapes.
