Hi,

I thought I posted this last night but don't see it here. So my apologies if this is a double post.

I'm pretty new to gardening and I am looking to plan out my backyard patio. I live near San Jose California, in zone 9.

The patio is a fairly small, east-facing backyard that's entirely shaded by a large Live Oak tree. I haven't measured the light by I'd venture the yard may qualify as part-shade or perhaps even full shade (it does get some dappled morning sun probably reflected off of the large sliding glass doors and tiled patio.)

I was interested in adding a couple sky pencil holly's because I like the look of them. Ideally they'd be in large containers/planters.

However, I've read conflicting information about growing sky pencil in shade. Some references say it doesn't do well at all in shade. Others say it can tolerate shade in warmer areas but will grow slower.

I think I'd be content with a couple 3-4 ft plants grown in containers. But am I being realistic or setting myself up for disappointment?

Thanks!