Ilex × 'Nellie R. Stevens'

The Nellie R. Stevens Holly is a vigorous, broadleaf evergreen shrub that provides exceptional year-round structure and privacy to the landscape. Prized for its rapid growth and glossy, deep green, spiny foliage, this cultivar is a standout choice for formal hedges, foundation plantings, or as a stand-alone ornamental specimen.

In the spring, it produces small, inconspicuous white flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators. By late autumn and through the winter, these blossoms give way to a profusion of bright red berries that remain on the branches, offering a vibrant contrast against the dark foliage and providing a crucial food source for overwintering birds.

The Ecological Footprint

• Wildlife Sanctuary: An excellent nesting site for songbirds, providing dense, protective cover throughout the year.

• The Berry Buffet: Produces abundant red drupes that serve as a vital, high-energy food source for birds during the lean winter months.

• Erosion Champion: Features a strong, deep root system that helps anchor soil effectively on slopes and in landscape beds.

• Privacy Powerhouse: Its dense, evergreen growth habit makes it an ideal, year-round living screen for noise reduction and property screening.

The Honest Harvest (What to Expect)

• The Perks: Exceptionally fast-growing for a holly, heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant once established, and capable of producing berries without a separate male pollinator.

• The Caveats: Can grow quite large, so it requires ample space; regular pruning may be necessary if you wish to keep it at a specific size or shape.

Specifications

• Botanical Name: Ilex × 'Nellie R. Stevens'

• Common Names: Nellie R. Stevens Holly

• Mature Height: 15-25 feet

• Mature Width: 8-12 feet

• Growth Rate: Fast (up to 24+ inches per year)

• Lifespan: 30-50+ years

• USDA Zones: 6-9

• Chill Hours: *

• Sun Preference: Full sun to partial shade

• Soil Type: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil; adaptable

• Soil pH: Acidic to neutral (5.5-6.5)

• Water Needs: Moderate; consistent moisture required while young, drought-tolerant once established

• Flower Color: Small, white; mid-spring

• Fruit Type: Bright red berries; late autumn through winter

• Pollinators: *

• Growth Habit: Pyramidal, dense, broadleaf evergreen shrub/small tree

• Spacing: 6-10 feet apart for a dense hedge

• Landscape Uses: Privacy screens, hedges, foundation planting, specimen tree, bird gardens

• Maintenance Level: Low to moderate (requires pruning for size control)

Planting & Care Guide

• Hydration: Water deeply at the time of planting and maintain consistent moisture throughout the first growing season to encourage root development.

• Siting: Thrives in locations with full sun to partial shade; ensure the planting site has well-draining soil to prevent root rot.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping it away from the trunk.

• Establishment: Monitor water needs during the first two years; once established, this holly is remarkably resilient to dry spells.

• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or maintain size; it handles heavy pruning well if you need to manage its height.

• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for acid-loving plants in early spring to encourage lush, green growth.