What forum for a Holly question?

9 years ago

My father asked me about a vertical growing holly, here's his question. If this isn't the right foeum, please point me in the right direction. Thanks, Ed

"I believe there is a species of Holly (Ilex) that grows essentially vertically.
I've seen such on a building plaza in NYC. It does not need direct sun. I've
removed the disheveled confer in the far right hand corner of the garden. The
holly I speak of will replace it. We have several hollys in the garden but they
are bushes.No rush; won't plant until spring.

Featured Answer

Embothrium

9 years ago

Notice the multiple branches in the above picture that are starting to bend out away from the strictly vertical. This seems typical for this selection - I have seen many examples here that were downright wobbly looking or even floppy.

Some Irish yews do the same thing. People sometimes tie the yews together to keep them from breaking apart - abnormally vertical growth like this is prone to snow damage.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

indianagardengirl
9 years ago
I don't know much about hollies, but I have seen this one offered near me:

http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1528/sky-pencil-japanese-holly/
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
9 years ago
The above mentioned Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' is the most common upright columnar holly. Can get as much as 8' tall in a suitable climate but stays very narrow - 18-24", if that. Quite tolerant of a lightly shaded position. Hardy to zone 6.
Related Professionals
Savannah Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Martinsburg Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Traverse City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Lincoln Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Huntsville Landscape Contractors · Bowling Green Landscape Contractors · Fort Worth Landscape Contractors · New Braunfels Landscape Contractors · Brooklyn Landscape Contractors · Bronx Landscape Contractors · Hattiesburg Home Builders · Clarksville Home Builders · Newport News Home Builders · Trenton Home Builders · Jackson Home Builders
Dave in NoVA • N. Virginia • zone 7A
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
When you say 'vertically', how high are you talking? Tree or shrub? What about width? I think your choices might be limited to Meserve holly hybrids or Ilex opaca in your zone. NYC is milder and they will be able to grow more varieties than you.

'Sky Pencil' is more of a novelty holly and I've never seen it used well.
sam_md
9 years ago

Hi Edweather, This is Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' @ Bartholdi Park in Wash DC. Is that what you are talking about?
Sara Malone Zone 9b
9 years ago
Easy to prune the 'Sky Pencil' to remove any heavy branches that bend. You could also look at Buxus sempervirens 'Dee Runk'.
edweather USDA 9a, HZ 9, Sunset 28
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks everyone for the responses. I forwarded the suggestions to my father, and he also thanked you.