PlantDetails

Plant Information

Plant Code L11293

Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'

Sky Pencil Japanese Holly

Prized for Foliage

Yes

No

Slow

6-8' H x 1-1.5' W

1.5'

White

Zone 6
(0 to -10°F)

Full Sun
6+ Hours Direct Sun

Additional
Information

Plant in well drained, organically enriched soil.

Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'

Sky Pencil Japanese Holly

Specimen, Mass Planting, Foundation Plantings

  • Narrow, upright evergreen
  • Lustrous, dark green foliage
  • Excellent in groups or alone
  • Adds vertical interest

Feature Shrubs

Feature shrubs are the focal point in the landscape placed in a prominent area so that their special form or unique characteristic can be admired. Great examples of feature shrubs include unusual weeping specimens and topiaries (sculptured plants). Smaller landscape areas, such as entryways, should contain at least one feature. Larger areas, like building corners or stand alone beds often have several. Feature shrubs are also used in containers on porches and patios or next to doorways. Evergreen feature shrubs maintain their leaves year around while deciduous varieties loose their leaves in the fall and re-leaf in the spring.

Planting and Care Information

  • Dig a hole 2 times the width of the root ball and a depth slightly less than the height of the root ball. Allow the top surface of the root ball to rest 1/2 inch higher than the soil line. Remember plants that require separate Male and Female plants (dioecious) to produce berries need to be planted within a reasonable distance of one another.
  • Amend native soil dug from hole by mixing with organic soil conditioner according to directions.
  • For container grown plants, carefully remove plant by squeezing container and slowly removing the root ball. Never pull on the plant trunk. Instead let the root ball slide out by tipping the container. If the plant is heavily rooted, loosen roots by gently pulling a few away from the root ball. This encourages stronger root growth. Set root ball in hole making sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher (1/2 inch) than ground level. Place soil mix under root ball if too low. Backfill soil mix around plant to ground level and tamp lightly removing all air pockets.
  • For balled and burlaped plants (B&B), do not remove any materials surrounding the root ball yet. This includes any string, wiring, nails, cages or burlap. Set root ball in hole making sure the top of the root ball is slightly higher (1/2 inch) than ground level. Place soil mix under root ball if too low. Remove any ties around the root ball. Backfill soil mix around plant to ground level and tamp lightly removing all air pockets. Cut the burlap away from the trunk and be sure all edges are buried well below the soil surface. This helps prevent the root ball from drying out.
  • For bare root plants, trim any broken, twisted or discolored tips. Determine the original soil line by the change in color on the plant trunk. Set the plant in the hole so the soil line is above the surrounding soil. Space the roots evenly. Backfill soil mix around and between the roots and tamp lightly removing all air.
  • Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the plant. Add more soil mix around the plant if necessary after watering.  Apply a root stimulator to encourage new root growth and fast establishment.
  • If a large plant; Build a soil ring around the plant, 6" beyond the edge of the hole, to use as a water reservoir to assist in watering until established.
  • Add a 2-3" layer of mulch around plant to conserve soil moisture and eliminate future weeds.
  • For trees and large shrubs, it may be necessary to secure the trunk by using three stakes placed at equal distances around the plant.

  • Fertilize just before and during the plants active growing cycle. Fertilization should begin just prior to new growth and end three or four weeks before the first frost.
  • Choose a fertilizer recommended for acid loving plants. Frequency will depend on the type of fertilizer. Liquid (water soluble) and granular quick release fertilizer require more frequent application; slow release granular types require less.
  • When using granular fertilizer be sure to sprinkle fertilizer pellets away from the plant stems or trunk to prevent possible burning and always water thoroughly after application. This dissolves or releases the fertilizer into the soil. Apply water soluble fertilizer by thoroughly drenching the leaves and soil.
  • Always follow fertilizer package directions.

  • Prune as required to keep plants a desired size or shape.
  • Encourage new blooms by cutting off dead or faded flowers.
  • Plants with branches originating from the roots of the plant need to be selectively pruned. Prune by removing the oldest branches completely. This will allow new, more productive branches to develop and produce flowers.
  • Remove damaged or dead limbs back to live wood.
  • When pruning, make angled cuts just above the bud.
  • Use proper tools such as shears, hand pruners, pole pruners and pruning saws. Make sure all equipment is clean and sharp.
  • Fertilize after pruning to help speed new growth.

  • New plants require more frequent watering than established plants. After planting check for water regularly until fully rooted and established.
  • For large plants; build a soil ring around the plant to use as a water reservoir. This will assist in watering until the plant is established.
  • Always water slowly and deeply making sure the root ball is completely saturated.
  • Don't water at night if possible. Watering in the morning helps prevent disease.
  • If new plant wilts between watering, increase the frequency of watering.
  • Plants in hot, humid or sunny areas need more frequent watering than plants in cool climates.
  • Plants in containers may require more frequent watering than plants in the ground. This will depend on plant variety, pot size and soil.
  • Add a 2-3"" layer of organic mulch around plant to maintain and conserve soil moisture. Mulch will reduce watering frequency and speed root establishment.

  • Planting MixPromotes strong healthy growth and more flowers
  • Potting SoilReady to use mix for indoor and outdoor containers and hanging baskets
  • Plant StarterHelps plants quickly establish to their new home
  • Slow Release FertilizerFeeds for months with one application. Safe to use on new plantings
  • Organic MulchPrevents weeds for months, saves water and beautifies
  • Planting ToolsShovels, trowels, cultivators and other tools to make planting easy
  • Pre-emergent Weed ControlApply to ground after planting to prevent new weeds from sprouting
  • Soaker HoseEasy to use, conserves water, and reduces chance of leaf diseases
  • ContainersChoose from light weight resin, clay or ceramic for patio or porch
  • Landscape EdgingKeeps beds defined, easy to maintain, and free of lawn grass
  • Hedge or Pruning ShearsRegular pruning keeps shrubs full and promotes more flowers
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