Sky Pencil Holly

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Size
Regular price $78.00

$1500+, BUNDLE20 for 20% off
$3000+, BUNDLE30 for 30% off
$7000+, Contact our sales team

For questions on bulk order discounts
Please contact us at sales@simplytrees.com

1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

Sky Pencil Holly is a narrow, upright evergreen shrub with a columnar shape. Its glossy, dark green foliage creates a striking vertical accent in gardens or containers, making it ideal for narrow spaces or as a formal hedge.

  • Botanical name: Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'
  • Evergreen
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun to partial shade

WATER:
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Approximately every 1-2 weeks. Watering frequency may vary based on climate and establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 6-9; thrives in well-draining soil with regular moisture

Note: Sky Pencil Holly has a narrow growth habit, so it may require periodic pruning to maintain its shape and to ensure it doesn’t outgrow its space.

Our Jumbo Sky Pencil Holly are grown in 7- or 10-gallon containers and are more mature than regular sizes, with a fuller overall structure, a larger rootball, and greater overall maturity. Compared to standard options, Jumbo trees feel more established at planting time.

Regular sizes are grown in 3- or 5-gallon containers. These trees are healthy and well-rooted but are less mature than Jumbo sizes and will continue to fill in over time.

The difference between regular and Jumbo sizes is in fullness, rootball size, and overall maturity, rather than width. Sky Pencil Holly naturally grows in a narrow, upright form, and Jumbo sizes simply offer a more established version of that same habit.

Shipping:
Jumbo Sky Pencil Holly are shipped burlapped, with the rootball carefully wrapped and secured with a zip tie to protect the roots and keep the tree stable during transit.

Regular sizes are shipped in their nursery pots, with the rootball wrapped in a protective plastic liner and secured with a zip tie to keep soil contained, the tree stable, and the box clean during shipping.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Sky Pencil Holly, scientifically classified as Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil', stands as an emblem of vertical elegance in the world of evergreen shrubs. Recognized for its slender, skyward growth, this plant serves as a verdant punctuation mark in modern gardens and classic landscapes alike. Flourishing in a myriad of climates, the Sky Pencil Holly becomes the focal point in outdoor settings, making it an indispensable choice for gardening enthusiasts aiming to add a touch of sophisticated greenery to their exterior spaces.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Slow to moderate grower; reaches a height of 6-10 ft and approximately 1-3 ft wide at maturity

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Position the Sky Pencil Holly in an area where it can receive ample sunlight, preferably full sun to partial shade. Regular watering, especially in its formative stages, ensures optimal growth, though established plants can handle occasional droughts.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Sky Pencil Holly requires minimal pruning. Lightly prune in early spring to maintain its slender shape or desired height.

FERTILIZING:
Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

WINTER PROTECTION:
In harsh winter areas or locations with strong winds and heavy snow, consider wrapping or using protective shields to prevent damage.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Select a location with good drainage and either full sun or partial shade. Dig a hole approximately double the width of the root ball, ensuring its depth is the same as the root ball's height. Position the Holly in the center of this hole, making sure the root ball's top aligns with the soil surface. Refill the hole with the excavated soil, pressing down gently to eliminate air pockets. Provide a generous amount of water post-planting. A mulch layer around the base, kept slightly away from the trunk, will assist in moisture retention and weed deterrence.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 5-9

Sky Pencil Holly thrives in USDA Zones 5-9. These areas are marked by moderately cold winters and temperate summers. The shrub's slender design coupled with its adaptability to varying soil types makes it a preferred ornamental choice in these zones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sky Pencil Holly typically grows 6–10 feet tall and only 1–3 feet wide. It has a very narrow, upright form, making it ideal for tight spaces and vertical accents.

Sky Pencil Holly is a slow to moderate grower, typically adding about 6 to 12 inches per year under ideal conditions.

Plant Sky Pencil Holly in full sun to partial shade with well-draining soil. It performs best in areas with good airflow and protection from harsh winds.

For a hedge or screen, space Sky Pencil Hollies about 2–3 feet apart. For individual accents, allow 3–4 feet between plants.

Sky Pencil Holly thrives in USDA Zones 6–9. It prefers moderate climates and performs best in areas without extreme heat or prolonged cold.

Yes, Sky Pencil Holly is evergreen and maintains its rich green foliage year-round.

Sky Pencil Holly requires minimal pruning due to its naturally columnar shape. Light trimming can help maintain a clean, upright appearance if needed.

Yes, Sky Pencil Holly is a female variety and requires a nearby male Japanese holly (Ilex crenata) to produce berries. Without a pollinator, it will still grow beautifully but will not produce fruit.

This can happen from heavy snow, strong winds, or uneven growth. Staking young plants and occasionally tying branches together can help maintain its upright form, especially in exposed areas.

Plant Sky Pencil Holly about 2–3 feet away from structures. Its narrow growth habit makes it a great option for planting near foundations without taking up too much space.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.