Nellie R. Stevens Holly

Nellie R. Stevens Holly - Fast Growing Evergreen Privacy Tree | 15-25 Feet Tall, Individual Plants

Create dense year-round privacy and classic evergreen beauty with the Nellie R. Stevens Holly. This popular hybrid holly is prized for its rapid growth, glossy dark green foliage, and bright red berries that add seasonal interest. Known for its durability and adaptability, Nellie R. Stevens Holly is one of the most widely used evergreen privacy trees in residential landscapes.

Its dense branching and naturally pyramidal form create a thick, full screen that works beautifully for hedges and property borders. In fall and winter, vibrant red berries appear, providing a striking contrast against the deep green foliage while attracting birds and wildlife. With its fast growth and low-maintenance nature, Nellie R. Stevens Holly offers dependable privacy and year-round visual appeal.

Why You'll Love the Nellie R. Stevens Holly

Fast Growing Privacy Screen: Quickly forms a dense evergreen hedge for privacy and wind protection.

Beautiful Red Berries: Bright berries add seasonal color and attract birds in fall and winter.

Glossy Evergreen Foliage: Deep green leaves provide year-round structure and coverage.

Durable And Adaptable Tree: Tolerates heat, humidity, and a wide range of soil conditions once established.

Nellie R. Stevens Holly Details

Botanical Name: Ilex × 'Nellie R. Stevens'
Type: Evergreen tree
Mature Size: 15-25' tall × 8-12' wide (upright pyramidal habit)
Growth Rate: Fast growth rate
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained soil adaptable to many soil types
Water: Water regularly until established, moderate drought tolerance once mature
USDA Hardiness Zones: 6, 7, 8, 9

Growing Conditions

Soil Adaptability: Performs best in well-drained soil but adapts easily to sandy, loamy, or clay soils. Avoid consistently wet planting areas.

Light Requirements: Thrives in full sun for the densest growth but tolerates partial shade.

Hardiness: USDA zones 6-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.

Care Instructions

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to establish roots. Once established, this holly becomes moderately drought tolerant.

Pruning: Prune as needed in late winter or early spring to maintain shape or create formal hedges.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support healthy foliage growth.

Landscaping Uses

Versatile Applications: Nellie R. Stevens Holly’s dense growth and evergreen foliage make it suitable for: privacy screens, hedges, property borders, foundation plantings, and windbreaks.

Privacy Screen Excellence: Its thick branching and rapid growth make it ideal for creating long-lasting evergreen privacy barriers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far apart should I plant Nellie R. Stevens Holly? For privacy hedges or screens, space plants 6 to 8 feet apart on center to allow for mature spread.

Is Nellie R. Stevens Holly evergreen? Yes, it maintains its glossy green foliage year round, providing continuous landscape coverage.

Does Nellie R. Stevens Holly produce berries? Yes, it produces bright red berries in fall and winter, especially when planted near other hollies for pollination.