Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' Holly

Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' Holly is a robust, versatile, and visually striking evergreen shrub or small tree, prized for its dense foliage, abundant red berries, and adaptability. This hybrid holly, a cross between Ilex aquifolium (English Holly) and Ilex cornuta (Chinese Holly), is a popular choice for privacy screens, hedges, and specimen planting.

Description

The Nellie R. Stevens Holly typically grows 15 to 25 feet tall with a pyramidal shape and a spread of 8 to 12 feet. Its glossy, dark green leaves are spiny yet softer than many other holly varieties, creating a lush and formal appearance. In spring, small white flowers appear, giving way to clusters of bright red berries in fall and winter, which persist for months, adding seasonal interest and attracting birds.

Its dense, symmetrical growth habit and rich evergreen foliage make it an excellent choice for creating privacy screens, windbreaks, or as a standout specimen in a landscape.

Growth and Care

• Hardiness: Thrives in USDA zones 6–9, tolerating a range of climates, including heat and humidity.
• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth and berry production.
• Soil: Adapts to various soil types, including clay, loamy, and sandy soils; prefers well-drained soil.
• Watering: Requires regular watering during establishment but becomes drought-tolerant once mature.
• Growth Rate: Fast-growing, adding 1 to 2 feet per year.
• Pruning: Requires minimal pruning to maintain its natural, symmetrical shape. Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is desired.

Benefits

1. Year-Round Interest: Evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and color, while bright red berries add a festive touch in fall and winter.
2. Wildlife-Friendly: Berries attract birds and other wildlife, making it a great addition to a habitat-friendly garden.
3. Privacy and Windbreaks: Its dense growth habit creates an effective screen or hedge for privacy or wind protection.
4. Low Maintenance: Resistant to pests, diseases, and deer, with minimal care requirements once established.
5. Versatile Use: Works beautifully as a hedge, accent plant, or formal specimen in both residential and commercial landscapes.
6. Heat and Drought Tolerance: Performs well in challenging conditions, including hot summers and periods of dry weather.

Why Plant Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' Holly?

The Nellie R. Stevens Holly is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a hardy, low-maintenance evergreen with year-round appeal. Its lush foliage and vibrant berries add beauty and structure to the landscape, while its adaptability to different conditions ensures reliable growth in a variety of settings.

Ideal for privacy screens, windbreaks, or as a striking focal point, this holly delivers both functionality and aesthetic charm. Whether you’re looking to create a formal hedge, fill in large areas of the garden, or provide food and shelter for wildlife, the Nellie R. Stevens Holly is a versatile and dependable addition to any landscape.