Japanese Sky Pencil, Winter burn, what now?
PamCinMO
13 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (24)
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
13 years agoRelated Discussions
Sky Pencil Holly going limp
Comments (7)It used to look just like those pictures, skinny and straight. I'm pretty sure it's snow damage. As far as I can tell the plant is otherwise generally healthy. If I decide to stake it and tie the stems up, is there any chance it'll go back to normal by the end of the current growing season? And since it's such a slow grower, I don't really have to worry about damage from the ties, right?...See MoreJapanese Sky pencil holly?
Comments (2)Probably something haywire with the planting soil, like extreme pH or nutrient situation. Likely would have done better planted into the existing soil, without modification (other than loosening) or replacement of existing soil....See Moresky pencil
Comments (9)You need to be more specific about 'ratty'! Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil' is a terrific plant, isn't it? Yep, it's another japanese holly. I'm crazy about it. Splashing soil on it would not cause problems, but planting too deeply can. Of course, we don't know if you've been watering it enough, and all that. Does the soil drain well? I've been specifying these plants fairly frequently lately, and have seen no problems with transplant shock (which is something of a myth). I went back to visit some that were installed last year and they have done beautifully....See MoreDead branches in Sky Pencil Hollies - do they fill out again? (z6)
Comments (9)Thanks for the comments. This dieback didn't occur during winter, it occurred during last summer after the gardener planted them. During the winter, I did get a little bit of winter leaf burn, but I trimmed off the leaves, and that damage was a lot less. OK, I will try pruning the dead stems down a little further. I have no other space to put them, actually, not sure what I would do with them if I took them out. If I put the 2 damaged ones right next to eachother I could perhaps get 1 full looking holly but that probably isn't good for the plants. That is a downspout nearby, yes. It empties into the pond, so fortunately doesn't flood the sky pencils. As for the A/C unit, it's been a while since we had it on but I think the hot air coming out of the unit mostly goes upward. That is a good point, though I didn't think about air coming out of the compressor potentially affecting these shrubs. I will evaluate this summer. (Last year my worries were all about the shrubs shortening the life of our A/C unit.... my thoughts were the other way around). Sounds like I need to be patient and there may be some hope for these hollies.... may be it will bother me less once I figure out what to plant in front of them...See Moregardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
13 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
13 years agoPamCinMO
13 years agobrian_zn_5_ks
13 years agoaklinda
13 years agoPamCinMO
13 years agobrandon7 TN_zone7
13 years agokimcoco
13 years agoPamCinMO
13 years agoPamCinMO
12 years agoken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
12 years agohammermomma
12 years agoPamCinMO
12 years agoaklinda
12 years agoademink
12 years agoronniepuddle
9 years agoronniepuddle
9 years agompwong76
9 years agompwong76
9 years agomikebotann
9 years agosleevendog (5a NY 6aNYC NL CA)
9 years agoSmivies (Ontario - 5b)
9 years ago
Related Stories
TREES11 Japanese Maples for Breathtaking Color and Form
With such a wide range to choose from, there’s a beautiful Japanese maple to suit almost any setting
Full StoryEDIBLE GARDENSA Formerly Weedy Lot Now Brims With Edibles and Honeybees
Photographers transform their barren backyard into an oasis filled with fruit, vegetables, honey, eggs and more
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNEnergy Now: Designing a Garden That Gets You Going
Serenity has its place, but a garden that recharges and motivates you can be a beautiful thing
Full StoryURBAN GARDENSOnce a Barren Rooftop, Now a Serene City Getaway
An outdoor shower and dining area atop a Manhattan penthouse? Stop rubbing your eyes and start checking it out
Full StoryMOST POPULARHouzz Call: Show Us Your Winter View!
Share pictures of your home and garden in winter — whatever your climate, architecture and plantings
Full StoryGARDENING AND LANDSCAPINGFall Checklist: 8 Ways to Winterize Your Patio
See how to get your deck or patio ready for cold, wet weather — and keep things in good shape for next spring
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES12 Japanese Maples for a Sunny Garden
The right maple in the right place shines in hot summer sun
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESGarden Myths to Debunk as You Dig This Fall and Rest Over Winter
Termites hate wood mulch, don’t amend soil for trees, avoid gravel in planters — and more nuggets of garden wisdom
Full StoryCURB APPEAL9 Ways to Boost Winter Curb Appeal
No blossoms and a barren yard? You can still make your home attractive and inviting from the street
Full StoryLIFECozy Up to Winter Scenes Across the U.S. and Beyond
Houzz readers share their views of the season
Full Story
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5