Plant field guide
Holly (Sky Pencil)
Ultra-narrow columnar Japanese holly that reaches only 1-2 feet wide. Perfect exclamation point for tight spaces, flanking entryways, or adding vertical interest to containers. Small rounded leaves.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
- Sun
- partial shade
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 60 in (152 cm) – 96 in (244 cm)
- Spread
- 12 in (30 cm) – 24 in (61 cm)
- Spacing
- Not recorded
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 5–9; average annual extreme minimum from -20°F (-28.9°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- easy
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: April.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Extremely narrow form - no pruning needed. Perfect for tight spaces. Needs good drainage - won't tolerate wet feet. Less cold hardy than other hollies.
Pruning
Minimal pruning needed. Remove any outward-reaching branches to maintain column shape.
Fertilizer
Holly-Tone or acidic fertilizer
Early spring
Mulch
2 inches of organic mulch. Ensure good drainage.