Red Sky Ilex

Looking for a stunning plant that will add a pop of color and texture to your landscape? Look no further than Red Sky™ Holly (Ilex crenata Hybrid ‘RutHol8’) from the Southern Living Plant Collection. This evergreen shrub boasts glossy, dark green foliage with a unique, bold red tint that stands out in any setting. The tiny leaves have a serrated edge, giving the plant an attractive, textured appearance that adds visual interest to your garden or yard. Its upright appearance is similar to the traditional sky pencil holly, but the red tint in its foliage adds more visual interest. Red Sky Pencil Holly is also incredibly low maintenance, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners or those who want to enjoy their plants without much fuss. It's drought-tolerant once established to handle hot, dry weather without constant watering. And with its slow-growing nature, you won't have to worry about it taking over your yard or requiring constant pruning. It's also deer-resistant, so you can enjoy its beauty without worrying about it being eaten by wildlife. So, if you're looking for a beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant that adds color and texture to your landscape, consider Red Sky Holly from Southern Living Plants. Red Sky Pencil Holly Care How much sun does Red Sky Pencil Holly require? Plant your Sky Pencil Holly in a location that receives partial to full sunlight. It tolerates shade but prefers some direct sunlight each day. It thrives in USDA Zones 6-9. Watering Your Holly Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply and thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry. During hot and dry periods, provide additional watering to prevent drought stress. Be careful not to overwater, as it can lead to root rot. Fertilizing You Red Sky Ilex Feed your Red Sky Pencil Holly in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer formulated for evergreen shrubs. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for proper application rates and methods. Pruning your ilex crenata Prune your Sky Pencil Holly in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. You can also lightly prune to maintain its desired shape and size, as well as encourage denser growth. Avoid heavy pruning, as it can disrupt the plant's natural form.