They get direct west sun from noon to sunset with slim to none protection. Each leaf is a little over one inch long and about one half-inch across. Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems: This plant needs protection from the wind and cold with a wind break and mulching. I live in Nashville, Tn. This holly, as with most holly shrubs, performs well in full sun. From this picture it would appear they have grown pretty wide. In fact, it is an often recommended shrub for a partial to full shade location. The berries are just lovely, nearly black and the plant itself needs very little care.HTHAlice. Every other year or so, unpot your plant and refresh the soil, trimming back encircling roots. Botryosphaeria or sky pencil holly is also vulnerable to web blight. A. Verify the planting and growing conditions needed in the link below. A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather. Fill the hole with water and let it seep down, and then finish filling the hole with soil. I would classify the Japanese Sky Pencil as poisonous to cats and dogs. The small fragrant flowers attract bees. We planted two about four years ago. Although they grow VERY slowly, they can be easily pruned. Sky Pencils are dependable performers. Use caution. Minor toxicity. If the Sky Pencil Holly is infested with Sky Root Rot, its roots will begin to turn brown and die back. Is this due to the shady conditions? They will be slightly sunken in, while should they appear on twigs or stems, these growths should come off with a little pressure. The Sky Pencil isn't bothered by air pollution, making it a good choice for urban gardens and landscapes, and although it likes moist soil, it can handle some drought with little problem. Wishlist. In North America there are 39 native and introduced species of holly. At maturity it may put on a bit of weight around the middle, but so far has not exceeded 2 feet in diameter. $28.68 $ 28. Read our Commitment to Diversity | Read our Privacy Statement. By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil its likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway. The other two are starting to get brown stems but allear to stil Hello, Can I prune the branches that are extending from the base of the shrub to maintain a columnar shape? . Cooperative Extension prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, and veteran status. Only 5 left in stock - order soon. On January 15, 2023. This disease causes the branches of this shrub to curl tightly. Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. The maximum width of this plant, however, is only about 3 feet. Sky Pencil Japanese Holly is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. If drainage patterns have changed it is possible you may be dealing with a rot root. Sky Pencil Holly is an all-female cultivar which needs a male pollinator in order to produce fruit. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants. Its lustrous dark green leaves are beautiful throughout the seasons. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Sky Pencil Japanese Holly in your home . Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Read our plant descriptions carefully to see if the one you are considering requires both or if its self-fertile, such as Nellie Stevens Holly. Only use a slow release fertilizer, this will make sure the shrub doesn't grow to quickly from a quick shot of nitrogen. Here are a few more reasons to grow a Sky Pencil Japanese holly tree: Unlike most hollies, the leaves don't have sharp points and can be handled easily. Sky Pencil Japanese Holly, Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil', is a low maintenance evergreen shrub, with a narrow, columnar form. Keep the plants watered during dry periods. This may also reduce the number of berries your plant produces. Sky Pencil Japanese Holly - Unique and with a style all its own, Ilex crenata, commonly known as Japanese holly or box-leaved holly, is a dense, multi-branched, evergreen shrub with a rounded form that typically matures to 5-10' tall and wide with dozens of uses in the landscape. Even though poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, has been shown not to be dangerous, the sap should be avoided. If you have applied mulch, pull the mulch back from the trunk by 6 inches. The Pencil Hollies on each side of my front door are getting out of shape. The Holly Sky Pencil is a narrow, columnar shrub that produces small, greenish evergreen leaves. Here is an article on cold damage in shrubs with a prescribed course of treatment: What do you suggest? Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth. Replacing your plants potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Feed once a year with a slow release fertilizer. Pollination Info Most orders ship immediately, but some items are seasonal and may only ship in spring or fall. When you are buying your Sky Pencil Holly, be sure to take a look at its foliage and berries before making your purchase. Prune them all the way back to within an inch or so of the main branch. I have taken good care of these plants, watered regularly and they get plenty of sun. The bottoms are bare and Transplanting - Can I transplant a sky pencil Japanese holly now? Their dark green color provides winter interest. July 1, 2016. Scientific name: Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' Description The narrow, columnar form of Japanese Holly is just right for small areas. Best of all, it grows well through most of the contiguous United States, with the ability to thrive in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. Apple Tree Companion Plants. In fact, if the roots of your sky pencil holly don't have enough room to breathe, they will begin to rot and you'll find yourself with a brown tree instead! It has a black, globular fruits 1/4 inch long that are produced on pollinated female plants in fall and winter. Some people think this bush looks like a small yew. Sky Pencil Holly is an all-female cultivar which needs a male pollinator in order to produce fruit. Do not fertilize or apply any other type of treatment during this time; it is best to let the shrub recover naturally. Eventually they will fall off completely. You can't add more Product Name - Product size to the cart. I've seen this grow . I needed them for a strong vertical statement in my landscaping scheme and it was my only choice in my planting zone. If you are growing your Sky Pencil in a container, note that it may need more water than your garden-grown plants. And pruning should be done in the late fall, early winter when the trees are dormant. Small black fruits follow the tiny white flowers in late summer and fall. I love them and want more. Yes, as long as you replant in a suitable location and keep it watered, it should do fine. Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi. A US National Arboretum Introduction. Prune back any branches leaning out or crossing over. The young stems are densely pubescent. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer! In addition to its use as a focal point in the garden, the Sky Pencil Japanese holly can be easily container-grown. I planted a beautiful plant called a Sky Pencil back in the spring. Give them an acid mulch and keep them moist, especially the first couple of years. I would like to plant several 'sky pencil' (Ilex crenata) holly at the corners of my house, to add some height. The main symptom is the webbing, though you will also see browning of foliage and twigs. To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Sky Pencil Japanese Holly after it doubles in size or once a yearwhichever comes first. One of the three is dead. Unfortunately, the Japanese holly is poorly adapted to our area and is highly susceptible to root rot, which generally hits in the heat of summer when abundant moisture is available. For best results when growing sky pencil holly, plant it in an area that will get at least six hours of direct sun each day. Now I will NOT be going back for it. Sky Pencil hollies are narrow, columnar shrubs that grow up to 8 feet (2 m.) tall and 2 feet (61 cm.) Sky Pencil holly (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil') is a versatile plant with dozens of uses in the landscape. The shrub's primary . Japanese Holly Previously known as: Ilex crenata f. genuina Ilex crenata var. Black, globose, berrylike-fruit on pollinated female plants from fall to winter that are 1/4 inch in length. 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Sky Pencil Japanese Holly requires abundant, bright and direct light. Wow, am I ever glad I read this. You have permission to edit this article. During winter, you may notice some dieback, which is normal and to be expected. Japanese hollies can be susceptible to black root rotcalled Thielaviopsis. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/holly/care-of-sky-pencil-holly.htm. Does anyone have any experience with this plant? Members of the genus Ilex support the following specialized bee: Colletes banksi. Hello, I have three sky pencil hollies in our back yard. Sky Pencil is excellent in a container or for vertical element in the garden. Sky Pencil is a cultivar of the Japanese holly Ilex crenata. Sky Pencil Japanese Holly grows very slowly and doesnt require added fertilizer. I have dug out the dead plant and washed off the roots like suggested. ARE THEY POISONOUS? I have three sky pencil hollies in our back yard. It's also an easy-care tree, bothered by few pests or diseases. 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