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Public Plant Profile

Sky Pencil Holly

Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'

Category: Evergreen Shrub • Holly

Sky Pencil Holly is a narrow, evergreen shrub ideal for accents and screening in landscapes.

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Mature Height: 4-10 feet

Mature Width: 2-3 ft

Light: Sun

Zone: Zones 5-9

Maintenance: Low

Growth Rate: Moderate

Season of Interest: Multi-season

Foliage: Evergreen

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Bold Outdoors Verified Insight

Designed & Reviewed by

Josh Graber

Owner and Landscape Designer · Kansas State University · 25+ Years Experience

B.S. in Horticulture and Landscape Design – Kansas State University

25+ years of industry experience

Description

Sky Pencil Holly is a narrow, upright evergreen shrub that adds a unique vertical element to gardens. Its dense, dark green foliage creates a striking silhouette, making it ideal for borders or as a standalone accent. This plant is also tolerant of various soil types and can thrive in urban settings.

Ideal Conditions

Thrives in full sun to partial shade. Prefers well-drained soil with moderate moisture.

Soil Preferences

Well-drained soil is essential. Tolerates a range of pH levels and adapts to various soil types.

Sun Needs

Sun

Landscape Guidance

Landscape Use

accentfoundation plantingscreening

Special Features

Narrowcolumnar shape; evergreen foliage

Wildlife Value

Attracts birds and provides habitat.

Resistance / Tolerance

Drought tolerant once established.

Notes from Our Designer

Great for tight spaces and vertical interest. Can be used to create a formal look.

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Design Ideas Using This Plant

Use this page to get a feel for where Sky Pencil Holly may fit in the landscape, then explore similar plants below for more ideas on form, texture, and overall planting style.

What Clients Say

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“Bold Outdoors has provided the highest quality professional landscape design, installation and after installation services at my residence since April, 2014. Josh Graber, the owner of the company, listened to input from…”

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Helpful Next Steps

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sky Pencil Holly a good fit for Kansas City landscapes?

That depends on sun exposure, moisture, spacing, and how the plant will be used in the overall design. Bold Outdoors evaluates those practical conditions before recommending a plant broadly.

How should homeowners use this plant information?

Use the plant profile as a planning tool for size, conditions, and visual role, then connect it to the broader landscape design and installation plan for the property.

Next Step

Ready to plan your landscape?

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