Japanese Sky Pencil Holly | Tall Evergreen Privacy Screen

The Japanese Holly 'Sky Pencil' is a dense evergreen shrub that grows upright and requires low maintenance. It has thick leaves that enable it to tolerate a wide range of climate conditions. The Ilex Crenata is able to grow in USDA zones 6-9, but it can also thrive in colder zones such as 5. For optimal growth, plant it in full sun to partial shade. In partial shade, it will grow slower.

When you first receive your Sky Pencil Holly, it will require frequent watering until the roots are established. In hotter areas, the plants will need more water, but in temperate climates, providing approximately 5 gallons per week should suffice. The leaves should be dark green, so if they appear light or pale, it may be a sign of overwatering.

Once you have your Sky Holly, you can decide how you want to plant it. It is ideal for dense privacy screens, hedges, or containers. During the first few years, it is a slow-growing plant. Pruning is not necessary, but if you choose to do so, winter is the best time as the plant is not actively growing. Avoid cutting more than 1/3rd of its growth. When planting, space the Ilex Japanese Holly plants 1 foot apart for a seamless appearance, or 2+ feet apart to cover more ground.

The Japanese Sky Pencil is a female-only cultivar of Ilex Crenata. It has dense evergreen foliage that retains its natural shape without pruning, making it easy to care for. Fully mature plants can reach heights of 5-10 feet tall and widths of 18-24 inches.

MULTI USE: The unique appearance of the Sky Holly makes it suitable for various places. It can be used as a container plant, tall hedge, or privacy screen. For the plant to produce berries, both male and female plants must be present for pollination.

EASY TO MAINTAIN: Sky Pencil Hollies maintain their elegant form without pruning, but they may benefit from light trimming when young. Prune during winter when the plant is not actively growing, ensuring not to remove more than 1/3rd of its growth.

USDA ZONES: The Japanese Sky Pencil is hardy in zones 6-9. Newly planted Sky Pencil plants require frequent watering until their roots are well established. Avoid overly soggy soil to prevent root rot.

POTTED PLANTS: The Sky Pencil is shipped as a 2.5 Quart potted plant with soil from the Alabama Gulf Coast. Currently, it is not available for shipment to Hawaii and Alaska.

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