WHAT: The Sky Pencil variety of ilex crenata is a narrow columnar Japanese holly that has dark, lustrous evergreen foliage. In the fall, it produces purple berries that attract birds.
Ilex crenata is native to Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan. Sky Pencil was found growing in Japan in 1985 and was introduced to the U.S. market in 1992.
Its growth habit makes it a perfect selection for small spaces or used in quantity as a privacy hedge. It adapts well to large containers.
SUN OR SHADE: Sky Pencil requires full sun to part shade.
SIZE: It can reach 8 feet tall and 3 feet wide.
SEE IT: You can see multiple plantings of Sky Pencil south of the fernery at the Evergreen Arboretum &Gardens, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett, www.evergreenarboretum.com.
Source: Sandra Schumacher / Evergreen Arboretum &Gardens
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