Fall Shipping Notice
Fall is one of the best times to plant. As temperatures cool, plants naturally begin entering dormancy. Depending on the variety, your plant may arrive with fall color, partial leaf drop, or bare stems. This is normal seasonal behavior and does not mean the plant is unhealthy.
Fall planting gives roots time to establish while the soil is still warm, helping plants get a stronger start when new growth begins in spring.
Sky Pencil Holly – Columnar Evergreen Shrub | Ilex crenata
Regular price
$52.99
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Plant Factory Direct
Sky Pencil Holly – Columnar Evergreen Shrub | Ilex crenata
Regular price
$52.99
Plant Factory Direct
Sky Pencil Holly – Columnar Evergreen Shrub | Ilex crenata
Description
Sky Pencil Holly – Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
Bring clean vertical structure to narrow beds, entryways, and formal landscapes with Sky Pencil Holly. Its naturally slim, upright shape pairs glossy evergreen foliage with year-round presence, making it a practical choice when you want height without a wide footprint.
Best Time to Plant: Spring or Fall
Order February–June or September–November for the strongest start. Summer and winter orders may be held until it's safe to ship.
BEST VALUE: Premium 1 Gallon — Landscape Ready
Choose the 1 Gallon Sky Pencil Holly for an established, nursery-grown plant with the same classic columnar form. At 12–24 inches tall, it is an approachable way to add dependable evergreen structure and build out a planting at your pace.
Choose your size and add Sky Pencil Holly to your landscape.
FILL MY BOX & SAVE — Sky Pencil Holly
1 plant = original price
Buy 2 Sky Pencil Holly plants = Save 15%
Buy 4 Sky Pencil Holly plants = Save 25%
Buy 6 Sky Pencil Holly plants = Save 30%
Savings apply automatically at checkout.
What Makes This Plant a Good Choice
- Naturally upright and narrow, so it adds height without taking over a tight planting space.
- Glossy evergreen foliage brings structure to the garden in every season.
- Deer-resistant foliage makes it a useful option for landscapes where browsing is a concern.
- Its tidy columnar habit needs only occasional light shaping.
What This Plant Does For You
- Frames a doorway, gate, or driveway with a strong vertical accent.
- Brings year-round green to narrow beds, corners, and formal garden lines.
- Creates a slim screen or repeated rhythm along a fence when planted in a row.
- Adds seasonal interest with small spring flowers and dark berries in fall.
- Gives you a structured look without the footprint of a broad shrub.
Plant Highlights
- Mature size: About 8–10 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide
- Foliage: Glossy, dark green and evergreen
- Flowers and berries: Creamy white spring flowers; small black berries in fall
- Hardiness: USDA zones 5–9
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Water: Moderate; provide consistent moisture while establishing
- Growth habit: Upright, narrow column
Pick the height that suits your project and order your Sky Pencil Holly today.
Premium Features & Solutions
When a planting area is short on width, Sky Pencil Holly gives you a way to add evergreen height while keeping the outline neat. Use it as a vertical accent, repeat it beside an entry, or plant a row for a narrow green screen. Its naturally columnar form helps keep routine maintenance simple.
Choose Your Size: The 1 Gallon option is listed at 12–24 inches tall. The 3 Gallon options are listed at 2–3 feet, 3–4 feet, and 4–5 feet tall. Choose the plant height that best fits your design and desired starting scale.
Smart Growing Guide
Beginner: Simple steps for planting success
- Choose a location in full sun to part shade.
- Dig a hole about twice as wide as the container and no deeper than the root ball.
- Set the plant so the top of its root ball is level with the surrounding soil, then backfill.
- Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil evenly moist during establishment.
- Add a 2–3 inch layer of mulch, leaving space around the trunk.
Advanced: Spacing and establishment notes
- For a narrow screen, space plants about 2–3 feet apart and adjust to the density you want.
- In colder areas, select a sheltered planting location to limit exposure to harsh winter winds.
- Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose to keep moisture consistent while avoiding wet foliage.
- Lightly shape after the spring flush has hardened if needed; avoid heavy shearing to preserve the natural column.
Pro Tips for Maximum Impact
- Use matching plants to flank an entrance or gate for a balanced, formal look.
- Repeat Sky Pencil Holly along a fence or property edge to create a slender evergreen screen.
- Layer low-growing plants or ornamental grasses at the base for added texture.
- Water consistently through the first growing season, especially during hot, dry weather.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click arrow to open Answers
How tall and wide does Sky Pencil Holly get?
It typically matures around 8–10 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide, with a naturally upright, narrow shape.
What hardiness zones suit Sky Pencil Holly?
It is listed for USDA zones 5–9. Choose a site suited to your local growing conditions.
How much sun and water does it need?
Plant in full sun to part shade and provide moderate water. Keep the soil consistently moist during establishment.
Is Sky Pencil Holly deer resistant?
It is considered deer resistant, though browsing can vary with local conditions and available food.
What size options are available, and how do they compare?
Choose 1 Gallon at 12–24 inches tall, or a 3 Gallon option listed at 2–3 feet, 3–4 feet, or 4–5 feet tall. The larger listed heights give you a bigger starting plant for more immediate scale.
How do the Fill My Box savings work?
Buy 2 Sky Pencil Holly plants and save 15%, buy 4 and save 25%, or buy 6 and save 30%. Savings apply automatically at checkout.
Can I use it as a privacy screen?
Yes. Plant several in a row for a narrow evergreen screen, allowing room for their mature width and the density you want.
Does it need frequent pruning?
No. Its upright habit usually needs only occasional light shaping to maintain a tidy appearance.
Is Sky Pencil Holly safe for pets?
No. Like other hollies, its berries and other plant parts can be harmful if eaten. Keep pets from chewing the plant.
When is the best time to plant?
Spring or fall is generally best. Summer and winter orders may be held until it is safe to ship.
Take Action Now
Choose the Sky Pencil Holly size that fits your landscape and secure your plants while your preferred option is available.
Add Sky Pencil Holly to your cart and fill your box to unlock automatic savings.
Ordering & Shipping
Plants ship via our multi-carrier network in protective packaging designed for live plant transport. Orders are processed in 1–3 days. Shipments are timed to your climate zone, and we hold orders during extreme heat or cold to help ensure your plants arrive in good condition. Tracking notification is sent when your order ships.
Note: The images and videos on our site are the best way to show off our products and show how good we are as growers. Depending on the season you buy, you may get a plant that is smaller or bigger than the picture shows. The plant might bloom like it does on our site, but it might not. We cut off the blooms most of the time because they don't ship well. When you buy our plants, think of them as an investment in your future garden, and enjoy the process of seeing it grow to its fullest.