Sky Pencil Holly Companion Plants

Oleh Anonymous March 01, 2021 Post a Comment

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Sky pencil holly is a popular evergreen shrub known for its upright growth and narrow, columnar shape. While it looks great on its own, pairing it with the right companion plants can really make it shine. In this article, we'll explore some of the best sky pencil holly companion plants to help you create a beautiful and cohesive garden design.

Sky Pencil Holly: A Quick Overview

Before we dive into the companion plants, let's take a quick look at the sky pencil holly itself. This plant, also known by its scientific name Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil', is a member of the holly family and is native to Japan. It typically grows to around 8-10 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide, making it a great choice for small gardens or tight spaces. Its dark green foliage and upright habit make it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest to your landscape.

Companion Plant Selection Criteria

When selecting companion plants for sky pencil holly, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, you want to choose plants that will complement the holly's upright shape and dark green foliage. Look for plants with contrasting colors, textures, and shapes to create visual interest. You'll also want to consider the sun exposure and soil conditions in your garden, as well as the overall aesthetic you're trying to achieve.

Top Sky Pencil Holly Companion Plants

Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)

One of the best companion plants for sky pencil holly is Japanese forest grass. This ornamental grass has a soft, flowing texture that complements the holly's stiff upright habit. Its bright green foliage contrasts nicely with the dark green of the holly, and it prefers similar growing conditions, including partial shade and moist, well-drained soil.

Planting Tips:

Japanese forest grass is a great choice for borders or as a groundcover around your sky pencil holly. It can also be planted in containers for added versatility. When planting, make sure to amend the soil with plenty of organic matter to ensure good drainage.

Burgundy Barrenwort (Epimedium x rubrum)

Another great option for pairing with sky pencil holly is burgundy barrenwort. This low-growing perennial has heart-shaped leaves that turn a beautiful reddish-brown color in the fall. Its delicate flowers, which bloom in early spring, provide a nice contrast to the holly's robust foliage.

Planting Tips:

Burgundy barrenwort prefers partial to full shade and moist, well-drained soil. Plant it around the base of your sky pencil holly for a beautiful border or groundcover. It also looks great when combined with other shade-loving perennials like hostas or ferns.

Variegated Liriope (Liriope muscari 'Variegata')

If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant to pair with your sky pencil holly, variegated liriope is an excellent choice. This evergreen perennial features striking green-and-white striped leaves and produces small purple flowers in late summer. It's also incredibly hardy and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.

Planting Tips:

Variegated liriope looks great when planted en masse around your sky pencil holly. It's also a great choice for edging paths or as a groundcover in shady areas. Plant it in well-drained soil and give it a little extra water during dry spells.

Coral Bells (Heuchera sanguinea)

For a pop of color that will really stand out against your sky pencil holly, consider planting coral bells. This perennial features stunning foliage in shades of purple, red, and green, and produces delicate pink flowers on tall stems in late spring. It's a great way to add some dimension and visual interest to your garden.

Planting Tips:

Coral bells prefer partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Plant them in groups around the base of your sky pencil holly for a stunning effect. They also look great when combined with other shade-loving perennials like hostas or ferns.

Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens)

If you're looking for a classic pairing for your sky pencil holly, you can't go wrong with boxwood. This evergreen shrub is known for its dense, compact growth habit and bright green foliage. It provides a nice contrast to the holly's narrow, upright shape, and can be pruned into various shapes and sizes to create a formal look.

Planting Tips:

Boxwood prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Plant it in a row along the edge of your garden bed to create a structured look. You can also prune it into balls, cones, or other shapes for added interest.

Other Potential Sky Pencil Holly Companion Plants

Hydrangea

These large, showy shrubs are known for their stunning blooms in shades of pink, blue, and white. While they don't necessarily complement the holly's upright shape, they do provide a nice contrast in terms of color and texture.

Japanese Maples

These ornamental trees are known for their delicate foliage and beautiful fall color. They can be planted near your sky pencil holly to add some height and interest to your garden design.

Hostas

These shade-loving perennials are great for adding some texture and variety to your garden design. They come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, so you're sure to find one that complements your sky pencil holly.

Azaleas

These showy shrubs produce masses of colorful flowers in the spring. While they don't necessarily complement the holly's narrow, upright shape, they do provide a nice pop of color and fragrance to your garden.

Pairing sky pencil holly with the right companion plants can really enhance the look of your garden. Whether you're looking for contrasting colors, textures, or shapes, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just remember to consider the growing conditions in your garden, as well as your overall aesthetic goals, when selecting your plants.

FAQs

Q: How tall does sky pencil holly grow?

A: Sky pencil holly typically grows to around 8-10 feet tall.

Q: What kind of soil does sky pencil holly prefer?

A: Sky pencil holly prefers moist, well-drained soil.

Q: Can I plant sky pencil holly in full sun?

A: While sky pencil holly can tolerate some sun, it prefers partial to full shade.

Q: What is the scientific name for sky pencil holly?

A: The scientific name for sky pencil holly is Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil'.

Q: Can I prune my sky pencil holly?

A: Yes, sky pencil holly can be pruned to maintain its shape and size. Just be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears and avoid cutting into old wood.