shrub

Nellie R. Stevens Holly

Ilex 'Nellie R Stevens'

The Story

Plant Bio

Hollies are a diverse group of broadleaf evergreen trees and shrubs known for their glossy leaves and, on female plants, colorful berries. They are mainstays in landscapes for providing year-round structure and color.

'Nellie R. Stevens' is a fast-growing, large hybrid holly with a naturally dense, conical shape. It is prized for its glossy, dark green leaves and prolific production of large, bright red berries that persist through winter.

Uses & Benefits:

'Nellie R. Stevens' is a premier landscape plant, offering a dense, evergreen presence that provides a lush backdrop for other plantings. Its classic pyramidal form and abundance of bright red berries make it a festive and beautiful feature, especially in the winter garden.

Its fast, dense growth makes it one of the best choices for creating a tall, living privacy screen or hedge. It can also be used as a windbreak. Once established, it is drought-tolerant and relatively low-maintenance, requiring only occasional pruning.

The dense, spiny foliage provides excellent cover and nesting sites for birds. The berries, which persist through winter, are a valuable food source for many bird species, such as cedar waxwings, robins, and mockingbirds, after they have softened from frosts.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

240 inches

Width

120 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Medium

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

30-50 years

Native To

Garden hybrid

Toxicity

Berries are toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Late spring

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site with full sun to part shade and well-drained, acidic soil.
Dig a hole two to three times wider than the container.
Gently remove the plant and loosen any circling roots.
Set the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil.
Backfill with amended soil and water deeply.
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch like pine straw or shredded bark.

Pro Tip

For the heaviest berry production, plant a male Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta) nearby, although 'Nellie' will produce some fruit on its own.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first year of establishment.
Maintain a layer of mulch to conserve moisture and keep roots cool.
Prune in late winter to maintain desired size and shape.
Test soil pH and amend if necessary to keep it acidic.

Don't

Don't plant in poorly drained or alkaline soils.
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, especially in summer.
Don't shear into a hedge that is wider at the top than the bottom.
Avoid heavy pruning in the fall, which can stimulate growth that gets damaged by frost.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Excellent evergreen privacy screen or hedgeStately specimen plant for foundation plantingsProvides a strong, formal architectural element

Companion Plants

Rhododendron sp.Azalea sp. Hydrangea macrophylla Nandina domestica Camellia japonica

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Nellie R. Stevens Holly questions

What zones can Nellie R. Stevens Holly grow in?

Nellie R. Stevens Holly is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Nellie R. Stevens Holly deer resistant?

Yes — Nellie R. Stevens Holly is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Nellie R. Stevens Holly bloom?

Nellie R. Stevens Holly typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Nellie R. Stevens Holly need full sun?

Nellie R. Stevens Holly does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Nellie R. Stevens Holly drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Nellie R. Stevens Holly handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.