How fast does Sky Pencil Japanese holly grow?
With an average Sky Pencil Holly growth rate of 6–12 inches per year, this evergreen shrub develops a mature, sculptural presence over time while staying neat and contained. It’s an excellent choice for container gardens, formal entryways, balcony planters, or as a living privacy screen in tight spaces. Fertilize your sky pencil holly tree once annually with a slow-release fertilizer—best if in the spring. Sky pencil holly shrubs grow well in containers. Unlike other types of holly shrubs, you do not have to worry about prickly leaves when moving it around.Aim to prune holly bushes before the plant starts growing in spring. In areas with freezing winters, prune in February or March before new shoots and leaves develop. In warmer regions, you can prune holly as early as January. Pruning before the growing season paves the way for healthy growth in the coming year.The best time to prune is between mid-February and early May. Trees pruned at this time in early spring develop a callous around the cut much more rapidly than those pruned at other times. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.The best time to add holly plants to your yard is in the milder months of spring or fall. To plant a new shrub, dig a hole approximately two or three times the size of the plant’s root ball, but not quite as deep. You will want the top of the root ball level with or slightly above the soil line.
What kills Sky Pencil holly?
Sky Pencil hollies are a variety of the Japanese holly, Ilex crenata. This particular species is prone to root rot here in the Coastal South due to our heat, humidity and high rainfall potential. Sky Pencil hollies are rated for USDA plant hardiness zones 6 through 9. They adapt to full sun or partial shade. In zones 8 and 9, provide protection from harsh afternoon sun. In zone 6 it needs protection from strong winds.
What pairs well with Sky Pencil holly?
The possibilities are limitless with the sky pencil holly. They look great next to drift roses, Kaleidoscope abelia, and dianthus. Get creative, and enhance your landscape. For additional options, be sure to browse our Privacy hedge, Privacy tree and Evergreen tree collections. Tips for Growing Sky Pencil Holly in Containers: Container Size: Choose a large, sturdy container that is at least 18-24 inches deep and wide. This provides enough room for the roots to grow and helps keep the plant stable, especially since Sky Pencil Holly can grow up to 6-10 feet tall.FAQs for Sky Pencil Holly This evergreen shrub has a slower growth rate, typically adding 6-12 inches per year. Its columnar growth habit makes it perfect for narrow spaces, formal gardens, or as a striking accent.
Can Sky Pencil holly survive winter?
Sky Pencil’ is an all-female cultivar which needs a male pollinator in order to produce fruit. Maintains columnar shape without pruning. May not be reliably winter hardy throughout USDA Zone 5 where it should be grown in a protected location with a winter mulch. How often to water your Sky Pencil Holly. Sky Pencil Holly needs 0. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.Watering: Water your Sky Pencil Holly regularly to help the root system become well established. As a good rule of thumb, check soil surrounding your tree to make sure it’s moist, but not soggy. If the leaves become pale green in color this could be an indication that too much water is present in the soil.Watering and nutrients The Sky Pencil likes moist soil, especially when young, so water weekly during the tree’s first year. Monitor the soil carefully: if it is dry 1 inch below the surface, give your tree a thorough watering. Once it is established and growing well, you can taper off your supplemental watering.
Are Sky Pencil holly fast growing?
Wondering how fast do sky pencil holly grow? This broadleaf evergreen shrub is a slow to moderate grower. The Japanese Sky Pencil holly growth rate is up to 6-12 inches per year. Because of the vertical nature of this hedge plant, it only gets 2-3 feet wide but can be pruned narrower if preferred. Japanese holly grows at a slow to medium rate, usually adding six to 12 inches each year, depending on the variety.
Where is the best place to plant sky pencil holly?
Just be sure to pick a planting spot in full sun for the best appearance vigorous growth. Sky Pencil Holly will be drought tolerant faster if you prep your planting hole right. Dig it twice as deep and twice as wide as the root ball. Be sure to really make the ground soil loose. Watering: Water your Sky Pencil Holly regularly to help the root system become well established. As a good rule of thumb, check soil surrounding your tree to make sure it’s moist, but not soggy. If the leaves become pale green in color this could be an indication that too much water is present in the soil.Common Problems with Japanese Holly These include pests, disease, and environmental stress. If the leaves turn yellow, it’s often a sign of iron deficiency. This is common in soil that’s too alkaline. The plant can’t absorb iron well, so it shows in the leaves.Black root rot (Thielaviopsis basicola) and Phytophthora root rot commonly infect this species. Phytophthora invades roots when soils are poorly drained or overwatered. Stressed plants are also susceptible to stem cankers. Japanese holly is susceptible to a variety of pests.
What are the cons of Sky Pencil holly?
It tolerates shade and air pollution. However, it does not do well in alkaline soils or under drought conditions. It has a slow growth rate and may not thrive in areas with high heat and humidity (USDA zones 8 and 9). This hardy, low-maintenance plant is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, but thrives best in well-draining, acidic to neutral soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade, and once established, is fairly drought-tolerant.