Call us: 0800 843 752Free shipping for orders $150 or over
Gift Vouchers

Ilex 'Sky Pencil'

Ilex 'Sky Pencil' is a striking, upright holly prized for its narrow, columnar shape that adds vertical interest to gardens. This evergreen shrub features glossy green foliage and maintains its tidy form without pruning. It is ideal for containers, formal borders, or as a sculptural accent. 'Sky Pencil' grows slowly and is well-suited to smaller spaces or tight planting areas. Hardy and low-maintenance, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil.

Ilex 'Sky Pencil' shrubs with elegant, green foliage growing against a wall.
Ilex 'Sky Pencil' shrubs with dark green foliage growing in a pot.
Ilex 'Sky Pencil' specimen trees with dense green foliage growing in a field.
Free Shipping on Orders Over $150
The average plant height is 26cm.
$27.53
The average plant height is 80cm.
$270.40

Buy more Ilex 'Sky Pencil' plants and save -

Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Shrubs
Height:4.00 m
Spread:80 cm
Flowering time:Spring
Tolerances:Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy
Garden uses:Containers, Living areas, Patios, Pool areas, Screening, Topiary
Garden styles:Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known as
Sku11794

How to grow Ilex 'Sky Pencil' in NZ

To grow Ilex 'Sky Pencil' in New Zealand, choose a sunny to partially shaded position with well-drained soil. This variety prefers slightly acidic conditions and benefits from organic matter mixed into the planting hole. Water regularly during establishment, then as needed during dry spells. Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in spring. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds. Prune lightly to maintain its narrow form if required. It is best planted in sheltered sites protected from strong winds.

Ilex 'Sky Pencil' care tips

Ilex 'Sky Pencil' is incredibly low-maintenance. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil. Water regularly during establishment, then reduce once the plant is settled. An annual application of shrub fertiliser in spring will support healthy growth. Minimal pruning is needed; only trim to maintain form if desired.

Common Ilex 'Sky Pencil' problems and solutions

Ilex 'Sky Pencil' may occasionally suffer from yellowing leaves due to poor drainage, leaf drop from inconsistent watering, or pests like scale insects. It can also be affected by winter damage or fungal spots. Planting in well-drained soil, regular watering, and providing shelter from harsh winds helps prevent most issues.

Landscaping uses for Ilex 'Sky Pencil'

Use Ilex 'Sky Pencil' for mixed borders, feature planting, and layered garden designs. Position it where its natural form can be appreciated and allow sufficient space for mature growth. Combine it with plants that enjoy similar light, soil, and watering conditions for a practical and cohesive display. Repeated planting adds rhythm, while a single specimen can create a distinctive focal point. Place it near contrasting foliage so its shape stands out clearly in the planting.

Why buy Ilex 'Sky Pencil' from The Plant Company?

Buy Ilex 'Sky Pencil' from The Plant Company, NZ's most trusted plant nursery. Choose from our extensive range and get practical advice to help match your plants to your local conditions. Our team makes online ordering straightforward, with careful packing and delivery throughout New Zealand. Whether you are planning mixed borders or refreshing an established display, we can help you select suitable plants. Explore the available options and take the next step towards a beautiful, rewarding planting project.

Questions and Answers

Have a question about Ilex 'Sky Pencil'? We are here to help.

PLease could you tell me what the current height of the ilex sky pencil is?

The current grade is at 35 cm tall. Heights are listed below the pot size for our plants.

ilex-aquifolium-angustifolia-male-
Most Popular Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia'

Ilex aquifolium 'Angustifolia' is an elegant evergreen holly admired for its narrow dark green leaves and dense upright growth habit. This hardy...

From$136.04
A large Ilex crenata 'Convexa' shrub with dense, green foliage.
Most Popular Ilex crenata 'Convexa'

Ilex crenata 'Convexa' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its small glossy dark green leaves and naturally dense growth habit. Often used as an...

From$27.53
Ilex crenata 'Helleri' shrubs in a border garden.
Most Popular Ilex crenata 'Helleri'

Ilex crenata 'Helleri' is a compact, slow-growing evergreen shrub with small, glossy green leaves and a dense, mounding habit. Resembling boxwood in...

From$27.53
Ilex 'Largo' plant with lush, dark green foliage.
Most Popular Ilex 'Largo'

Ilex 'Largo' is a bold, evergreen holly variety known for its dense, glossy green foliage and broad, upright growth habit. It forms a tidy shrub...

From$136.04
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Most Popular Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia 'Broadway Mint', commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

From$12.95
Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' lush, green foliage.
Most Popular Pittosporum 'Mountain Green'

Pittosporum 'Mountain Green' is a robust New Zealand native shrub prized for its vibrant green foliage and dense growth. Perfect for creating privacy...

From$22.01
Pseudopanax lessonii lush, green foliage.
Most Popular Pseudopanax lessonii (Coastal Five Finger)

Pseudopanax lessonii, commonly known as Five-Finger or Houpara, is a lush, native New Zealand shrub or small tree prized for its tropical appearance...

From$26.15
azalea-kirin-3
Most Popular Azalea 'Kirin'

Azalea 'Kirin' is a charming evergreen azalea admired for its masses of soft pink flowers that appear during spring. The delicate blooms cover the...

From$16.95
Photinia 'Red Robin' and Ficus benjamina 'Starlight' are tried and true, but new favourites like Azalea 'Gardenia Supreme', Metrosideros 'Maungapiko', and Leucadendron 'Golden Tulip' are just waiting to be discovered.
–The Plant Company

Explore Garden Inspiration

Sign up to receive a free $10 Voucher You won’t be bombarded with emails, just titbits of quality information from time to time Sign up
Free shipping on orders over $150!

Join our community of happy customers.

4.8

466 Google reviews