Sky Box™ Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'Farrowone'

Proven Winners®

Columnar Sky Box™ Form Grows Upward for Vertical Garden Interest and Architectural Appeal
Thrives in Zones 5-9
Grows 4-5 ft Tall, 2-3 ft Wide
Deer Resistant, Disease Resistant, Drought Tolerant
Showy White Blooms in Late Spring

$26¹⁴

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Plant Size

Quart Container

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Sky Box™ Japanese Holly performs best in full sun to part shade. For the densest foliage and that signature narrow form, aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hotter climates, afternoon shade helps prevent the glossy leaves from scorch or heat stress.
Soil: These hollies prefer moist, well drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay, plant them in a raised mound to ensure the roots do not sit in water. For sandy soils, mix in organic compost to help the ground hold onto moisture and nutrients.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, water your Sky Box™ deeply twice a week to help the root system move into the surrounding soil. Once established, this evergreen is quite drought tolerant, but inconsistent moisture during dry spells can lead to leaf drop or a thinner appearance. To keep the foliage lush and dark green, provide a deep soak whenever the top two inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

Pruning Tips

This cultivar naturally maintains a tight, columnar shape, so pruning is usually minimal. Because it blooms on old wood, any structural shaping should be done in early spring before new growth begins to avoid cutting off the tiny white flowers. Think of pruning like a light trim to maintain a clean silhouette; removing the tips of the branches encourages the plant to fill in even more densely.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, slow release fertilizer designed for acid loving evergreens in early spring as new growth emerges. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the fall, as this can stimulate soft new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. This ensures the plant stays hardy and protected against winter burn during the coldest months.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Evergreen, Compact/Dwarf, Low Maintenance, Deer-resistant, Hedge/Screen, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	4-5 ft
Width	2-3 ft
Watering Needs	Moderate
Preferred Soil	Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Medium
Growth Habit	Bushy, Spreading
Blooms In	Spring
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Indoors
Plant Name	Holly
Botanical Name	Ilex crenata 'Farrowone'
Species	crenata
Cultivar	Farrowone
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, HI, ID, MT, PR

Sky Box® Japanese Holly Evergreen with Unique Growth

Unique growth
Evergreen
Wildlife interest

Sky Box® Japanese Holly ( Ilex crenata ‘Farrowone’ PP20,049) is a broad leafed evergreen that adds elegant, architectural appeal to your landscape. Use it as a border for your entryway or grouped along an outbuilding. It makes a handsome display in containers on your patio.

Sky Box Japanese Holly Evergreen is a conifer with glossy, green foliage and a unique growing shape. It's a vigorous grower, so it won't be long before it's providing protection for your birds from harsh weather and predators.

The tall, narrow growth of this evergreen grow skyward, providing some unique interest and refined definition to any spot in your landscape where it resides.

Sky Box® Japanese Holly has an upright and narrow, pyramidal form. It has no significant disease or insect issues and it's heat and drought tolerant. Even though birds love it, destructive wildlife will leave it alone. Even deer and bunnies tend to pass it by.

This Holly thrives in well-drained, acid soils, but can also be grown in poor dry soils. You can leave it to grow naturally, but Sky Box® doesn't mind a little pruning if you'd prefer

If you're looking for a unique evergreen that's hardy and stylish, Sky Box® Japanese Holly is a terrific choice. Order today!

Explore More from Nature Hills

Sky Box™ Japanese Holly works beautifully alongside other evergreen shrubs and privacy shrubs to create year-round structure in your landscape. As one of our popular proven winners® and a reliable choice among low maintenance plants, this compact holly responds well to regular trimming. For helpful guidance on keeping your holly in top shape, check out our articles on Pruning Holly Plants For Hedges, Foundation or Screening and Timing for Pruning Flowering Shrubs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sky Box Japanese Holly grow well in containers?

Sky Box Japanese Holly thrives in containers and makes a handsome patio display. Its upright, narrow growth habit and tolerance for various soil conditions make it well-suited for container growing. Ensure good drainage and consider its vigorous growth rate when selecting pot size.

What are the light requirements for Sky Box Japanese Holly (full sun, part sun, or shade)?

Sky Box Japanese Holly performs best in full sun to partial shade conditions. This adaptable evergreen tolerates various light levels while maintaining its distinctive upright, pyramidal form. For optimal growth and foliage density, provide at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily when shopping at Nature Hills.

Is Sky Box Japanese Holly deer resistant or rabbit resistant?

Sky Box Japanese Holly is both deer and rabbit resistant, as destructive wildlife typically avoid this evergreen. The glossy foliage and natural characteristics of this Ilex crenata cultivar make it an unappealing choice for browsing animals. Plant it confidently in areas where deer and rabbit damage is a concern.

How should I plant Sky Box Japanese Holly—what soil type and drainage does it need?

Sky Box Japanese Holly thrives in well-drained, acidic soil but adapts to poor, dry conditions. Choose a location with good drainage to prevent root rot. Plant in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil grade.

What is the warranty or guarantee if my Sky Box Japanese Holly dies after purchase?

Nature Hills offers a one-year guarantee on trees and shrubs when planted according to care instructions. Sky Box Japanese Holly is naturally hardy and disease-resistant, making establishment success likely in proper conditions. Contact Nature Hills customer service with photos if issues arise within the warranty period.

How do I care for Sky Box Japanese Holly after planting—fertilizer or watering needs?

Sky Box Japanese Holly is notably drought tolerant once established, requiring minimal supplemental watering. This hardy evergreen thrives in well-drained, acidic soils and adapts to poor, dry conditions. Water regularly the first year, then reduce frequency as the plant matures.

Can Sky Box Japanese Holly survive cold winters in zone 5?

Sky Box Japanese Holly is hardy in zones 6-9 and is not recommended for zone 5 winters. The plant lacks the cold tolerance needed for zone 5's harsh conditions. Consider more cold-hardy evergreens like juniper or arborvitae for reliable winter survival in your area.

Sky Box™ Japanese Holly

Ilex crenata 'Farrowone'