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Key characteristics

Family: Aquifoliaceae
Height: 6 to 10 feet
Width: 1 to 2 feet
Flower color: Inconspicuous; small white flowers
Foliage color: Dark green
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Water: Moderate
Maintenance: Low; minimal pruning required to maintain shape
Growing zone: USDA zones 6 to 9
Wildlife: Attracts birds, particularly for the small black berries

Shrubs

Ilex crenata ‘Sky Pencil’

Sky Pencil Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' is a distinctive evergreen shrub known for its tall, narrow, columnar form, making it a popular choice for adding vertical interest to gardens. The foliage is composed of small, dark green leaves that are glossy and densely packed along the upright branches. This elegant, sculptural plant maintains its shape naturally, requiring minimal pruning, and it provides year-round structure to borders, containers, or as a bold focal point in the landscape.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Formal Gardens
Hedging & Privacy
Bird Gardens
Containers

Companion plants

Daphne · Pearlbush · Bluestars · Rock cress · Pampas Grass · Pasque flower

Design tip

Use ‘Sky Pencil’ to introduce strong vertical structure without taking up much horizontal space. Its naturally narrow, columnar form works especially well for framing entrances, creating a living screen, or adding a sculptural accent where garden space is limited.