How fast does Sky Pencil Holly grow?

This evergreen shrub is a slow to moderate grower. The Japanese Sky Pencil holly growth rate is up to 6-12 inches per year.

How do you prune a Sky Pencil Hollies?

Pruning techniques include keeping the sky pencil tree to desired size and shape. You can prune the tree narrower if preferred. The pencil shrub maintains its columnar shape and growth habit without any pruning.

How tall does a Sky Pencil Holly get?

It can reach a mature height of 8-10 feet tall at maturity.

Is Sky Pencil Holly deer resistant?

The Sky Pencil Holly is deer resistant along with being pest and drought resistant.

Do sky pencil holly have invasive roots?

A rule of thumb is to remember that roots will usually grow as wide as the canopy width of the plant. Sky Pencils don't grow very wide, so their root systems are more extended than they are wide and are not invasive.

Sky Pencil Holly

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Family owned farm since 1980

You're good to grow this in Zone 6

Sky Pencil Holly Shrubs Make a Literal Exclamation Point!

Vertical Growth & Year-Round Evergreen Foliage

The ilex Sky Pencil Japanese Holly features a narrow, columnar form, making it ideal choice for garden design, small areas, or specimen plants. Once established, it is easy to grow, drought-tolerant, and pest—and disease-resistant.

Sky Pencil Hollies feature dark green foliage year-round, and this small evergreen produces dainty creamy white flowers in early spring.

Introduced in 1992 by the National Arboretum in Washington, D.C., Japanese pencil trees are great as vertical accent plants near entryways, privacy screens, or narrow hedges. For an elegant, formal appearance, you can also plant them in a large container. The green pencil shrub maintains its columnar shape and growth habit without pruning.

Sky Pencils Are Cold Hardy Evergreen Shrubs!

This Japanese holly ilex crenata sky pencil, as it is named botanically, will grow best in full sun to partial shade needed to keep the green-colored leaves. Grow this plant across the United States in the Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5-9. It is very cold hardy!

Why buy from Perfect Plants Nursery online?

When you shop for landscape trees and shrubs online make sure you are buying from an actual grower. We have been a family run farm since 1980.

As experts in growing premium evergreen shrubs, including Sky Pencil Hollies, we deliver healthy, high-quality plants directly to your door, ensuring they arrive ready to thrive.

We hope you love our Sky Pencil Holly for sale. Easy to grow, easy to maintain, and free of pests and diseases… it is the package deal!

Check out our other Holly Shrubs for sale.

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Botanical Name

Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'

Sunlight
Full Sun / Partial Shade

Foliage Color
Dark green

Flower Color
Greenish-white

Mature Width
2-3 ft

Mature Height
8-10 ft

Growing Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Customer Reviews

4.8 Based on 56 Reviews

5 ★

88%

4 ★

3 ★

2 ★

1 ★

Customer Photos

Sky Pencil Holly - Customer Photo From Will Pons

Sky Pencil Holly - Customer Photo From Albert Peckham

Sky Pencil Holly - Customer Photo From Larry Viterna

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01/23/2025

jack m.

United States

sky pencil holly

every step in the process to obtain product was flawless.

Sky Pencil Holly

04/29/2024

Mark B.

United States

Customer service

Great, Delivery was on time. Customer service was outstanding. They seem to help out anyway they can.

Sky Pencil Holly

03/22/2024

Michelle

United States

Beautiful drift roses

I was super amazed and pleased to see the beautiful, blooming drift roses when I opened the boxes. One box must have been thrown in shipping as one pot was higher and partially on top of the other. The one on the bottom had a broken limb. Otherwise, the plants are absolutely beautiful and lush. They will be planted this weekend. I will order from you again!

Sky Pencil Holly

10/22/2023

Jeannie L.

United States

This is the place!

If you want healthy, beautiful plants sent to you Perfect Plants is the place. They take great care to carefully wrap them and place them in a box to ensure quality. Thanks you guys

Sky Pencil Holly

11/14/2023

Perfect Plants Nursery

Hi Jeannie, Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review on our Sky Pencil Holly! We appreciate the feed back and your honesty. We're so glad that you were completely satisfied with the plant and its packaging. Happy planting, Shirley

10/13/2023

Anonymous

United States

Holly pencil

All the plants died after a few week’s disappointing

Sky Pencil Holly

11/13/2023

Perfect Plants Nursery

Hi Anonymous, Thank you for purchasing your Sky Pencils with us here at Perfect Plants Nursery. We're sorry to hear about the experience you had with them. All of our plants do come with a 1-month warranty (with the possibility to extend that warranty to a year) so any customer has the potential to contact us and we'll gladly take care of them. Best, Shirley

Chuck 09/24/2023

What type of plant food good for Sky Pencil Holly?

Answers (1)

Perfect Plants Nursery 09/25/2023

Hello! The Root Boosting Slow Release Fertilizer would be the best fertilizer for a Sky Pencil Holly. Once the tree is established it should only need to be fertilized about once a year. It is best to fertilize it in the spring. Thank you for reaching out to Perfect Plants! I hope that this answer was helpful and please reach out if you have any other questions. Happy gardening!

Debbie 08/26/2023

Have tried growing sky pencil holly for the past year and a half( not your plants), 9 have died and I am left with one. Some in partial shade some in full sun. We have had 2 blazing hot summers. Can’t figure out if I’m over or under watering, some of the leaves turn purple and others just look like they have dried up. I need to get one in order to balance my landscape but am hesitant to because I don’t seem to be able to keep them alive. The one that is alive is only 5 feet from the last one that just died. It doesn’t seem to get quite as much afternoon sun.

Answers (2)

Perfect Plants Nursery 02/28/2024

Hi Debbie, I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you've faced with growing Sky Pencil holly plants. Various factors could contribute to their decline. Here are a few considerations and tips that may help improve your success in growing and maintaining Sky Pencil holly: Sunlight Requirements: Sky Pencil holly plants generally prefer full sun to partial shade conditions. However, in hot climates or during scorching summers, providing some protection from intense afternoon sun may be beneficial. Consider using shade cloth or planting them in areas with partial shade to protect them from excessive heat exposure. Watering: Sky Pencil holly plants prefer consistently moist but well-draining soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, while underwatering can cause stress and leaf drying. To determine the water needs of your plants, check the moisture level of the soil before watering by inserting your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it's time to water. Avoid letting the soil become overly saturated or completely dry out. Soil: Ensure that the soil provides good drainage to prevent waterlogging, as prolonged moisture can be detrimental to the hollies. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost, can help improve drainage and retain moisture appropriately. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants, leaving some space around the stems. Mulch helps conserve soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weed growth. Fertilization: Consider conducting a soil test to determine if any nutrient deficiencies may be affecting your hollies. Sky Pencil holly plants generally benefit from a slow-release, balanced fertilizer application in early spring. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for application rates. Alternatively, you can use compost or well-rotted manure as a natural fertilizer. Pruning: Regular pruning can promote air circulation, reduce stress, and help shape the plants. It can also assist in maintaining a balanced landscape by preventing overcrowding. While Sky Pencil hollies have a naturally upright form, light pruning for shaping is generally well-tolerated. Pest and Disease Management: Inspect your plants regularly for any signs of pests or diseases. Common issues include scale insects, spider mites, leaf spot diseases, and powdery mildew. If detected, follow appropriate treatments and seek advice from local gardening experts or your extension office for specific recommendations. Given the challenges you've faced, it may also be helpful to consult with a local horticulturist, garden center, or expert who is familiar with the specific growing conditions and challenges in your area. They can provide guidance tailored to your location and help troubleshoot any issues you may be encountering. Best, Shirley

Perfect Plants Nursery 02/28/2024

Hi Debbie, I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you've faced with growing Sky Pencil holly plants. Various factors could contribute to their decline. Here are a few considerations and tips that may help improve your success in growing and maintaining Sky Pencil Holly: Sunlight Requirements: Sky Pencil holly plants generally prefer full sun to partial shade conditions. However, in hot climates or during scorching summers, providing some protection from intense afternoon sun may be beneficial. Consider using shade cloth or planting them in areas with partial shade to protect them from excessive heat exposure. Watering: Sky Pencil holly plants prefer consistently moist but well-draining soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues, while underwatering can cause stress and leaf drying. To determine the water needs of your plants, check the moisture level of the soil before watering by inserting your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it's time to water. Avoid letting the soil become overly saturated or completely dry out. Soil: Ensure that the soil provides good drainage to prevent waterlogging, as prolonged moisture can be detrimental to the hollies. Amending the soil with organic matter, such as compost, can help improve drainage and retain moisture appropriately. Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plants, leaving some space around the stems. Mulch helps conserve soil moisture, regulates soil temperature, and suppresses weed growth. Fertilization: Consider conducting a soil test to determine if any nutrient deficiencies may be affecting your hollies. Sky Pencil holly plants generally benefit from a slow-release, balanced fertilizer application in early spring. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for application rates. Alternatively, you can use compost or well-rotted manure as a natural fertilizer. Pruning: Regular pruning can promote air circulation, reduce stress, and help shape the plants. It can also assist in maintaining a balanced landscape by preventing overcrowding. While Sky Pencil hollies have a naturally upright form, light pruning for shaping is generally well-tolerated. Pest and Disease Management: Inspect your plants regularly for any signs of pests or diseases. Common issues include scale insects, spider mites, leaf spot diseases, and powdery mildew. If detected, follow appropriate treatments and seek advice from local gardening experts or your extension office for specific recommendations. Given the challenges you've faced, it may also be helpful to consult with a local horticulturist, garden center, or expert who is familiar with the specific growing conditions and challenges in your area. They can provide guidance tailored to your location and help troubleshoot any issues you may be encountering. Best, Shirley

Mary 08/07/2023

How tall are the 5 gallon plants?

Answers (1)

Perfect Plants Nursery 08/07/2023

Hi there, The 5-gallon Sky Pencils are 3-4ft in height. - Perfect Plants Team

Mikr 06/19/2023

What height roughly of 5gallom when shipped

Answers (1)

Perfect Plants Nursery 06/20/2023

Hello, Our 5 gallon Sky Pencil Hollies are roughly 5 feet in height. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with. Best Wishes, Perfect Plants Team

Plamen 04/18/2023

I have just purchased from your Home Depot online outlet 20 sky pencil hollies tall 3-4 ft in 3.5 gallon pots (sold in pack of 2), and then I found this site of yours where I actually do not see the 3.5 gallon / 3-4 ft tall version, but I see you offer here 3 and 5 gallons. Just wanted to confirm with you that the hollies I purchased from your Home Depot outlet would indeed be 3-4 ft tall in 3.5 gallon pots. Will be buying soon more from this site - the 5 gallon version that is 4.5 ft tall. Thanks

Answers (1)

Perfect Plants Nursery 04/19/2023

Hi there, Here is the Sky Pencil Holly listing on our website: https://myperfectplants.com/products/sky-pencil-holly?variant=40904394178711 They do include the gallon sizes. The 3.5 gallons on HD should be 3-4ft if that is what's listed. Best, Perfect Plants Team