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Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex × ‘Nellie R. Stevens’) – Dense Evergreen for Privacy, Borders, and Year‑Round Interest

If you want an evergreen that delivers privacy, structure, and winter color, Nellie R. Stevens Holly offers dense foliage, a naturally pyramidal form, and bright red berries that stand out in the colder months.

Key Features
Dense evergreen foliage for strong coverage
Naturally pyramidal shape with minimal pruning
Bright red winter berries
Self‑fruitful; produces berries without a male pollinator
Deer resistant and low‑maintenance

What problem does Nellie Stevens Holly solve?
It creates a tall, evergreen privacy barrier that blocks views and noise while adding year‑round structure and seasonal color.

Is it good for beginners?
Yes — it is easy to grow, adaptable to many soils, and requires very little pruning to maintain its shape.

Will it grow in full sun?
Yes. Full sun to partial shade both support strong growth, with full sun producing the densest foliage and best berry production.

How fast does it grow?
It grows quickly for a holly, often adding 2 to 3 feet per year once established.

Is it drought tolerant?
It becomes moderately drought‑tolerant once established and performs well in clay or compacted soils.

Detailed Description
Nellie R. Stevens Holly is a popular evergreen known for its dense branching, glossy dark green leaves, and naturally pyramidal form. It produces abundant red berries in winter, adding seasonal interest and supporting wildlife. This holly is self‑fruitful, meaning it will produce berries on its own, though pairing with ‘Edward J. Stevens’ can increase berry production. Its fast growth and strong structure make it ideal for privacy screens, property borders, and specimen plantings. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to a variety of soil types, including clay.

Planting & Care
Planting
Spacing: 6 to 10 feet depending on desired density
Soil: Prefers well‑drained soil; tolerates clay
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Growth Habit: Upright, pyramidal

Care
Water consistently during the first year
Mulch to protect roots and retain moisture
Prune lightly in early summer if shaping is desired
Fertilize in early spring for strong growth

Seasonal Notes
Evergreen foliage provides year‑round privacy
Bright red berries appear in fall and persist into winter
Fast growth helps fill gaps quickly
Deer-resistant and reliable in varied climates

Ideal Uses
Privacy screens
Property borders
Specimen trees
Noise buffering
Explore more options in our Privacy Plants collection.
Related Plant in This Collection: American Pillar Arborvitae — a narrow evergreen option for tight spaces needing vertical privacy.

Order Your Nellie Stevens Holly Today
Add year‑round structure and winter color to your landscape with Nellie Stevens Holly.

Shipping Information
Available Sizes: 2.5‑inch pots, Quart pots

Related Collections
Privacy Plants
Evergreen Trees
Fast‑Growing Shrubs
Winter‑Interest Plants