Nellie R. Stevens Holly — Live Evergreen Privacy Tree

Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex × 'Nellie R. Stevens') is the premier broadleaf evergreen for year-round privacy screening — fast growing, self-fruiting, and stunning in every season. It adds 2–3 feet per year, naturally forms a dense pyramidal shape, and delivers bold glossy green foliage all year plus masses of bright red berries in winter. Deer resistant, tolerant of heavy clay soils, and adaptable from sun to part shade, it's a top choice for large-scale screening and estate boundaries.

Why Gardeners Choose Nellie R. Stevens Holly

• Fast growing broadleaf screen: 2–3 feet per year — significantly faster than most other hollies.
• Self-fruiting: Produces abundant clusters of bright red winter berries without needing a separate male pollinator.
• Year-round interest: Glossy deep green foliage in spring through fall; vivid red berries provide striking winter color and bird habitat.
• Deer resistant: Thick, spine-tipped leaves make it highly unappealing to deer.
• Tolerates heavy clay: Robust root system penetrates compacted clays and heavy soils where conifers struggle.
• Natural pyramidal form: Develops a clean, stately shape without formal pruning.

Planting & Care

• Light: Full sun to part shade; 6+ hours daily for best berry production and density.
• Soil: Adaptable; prefers well-drained, slightly acidic conditions but tolerates poor drainage and compacted soils.
• Spacing: 6 feet on center for a solid privacy wall; 8–10 feet for a natural, open form.
• Watering: Deep weekly watering through the first season; mulch around the base to retain moisture.
• Pruning: Not required — naturally holds a clean shape. Optional light shearing in early summer for a formal hedge look.

Shipping Information

• Ships in 2.5-inch pots and quart pots, fully rooted and ready to plant.