Ilex "Nellie R. Stevens"

Landscape & Garden Uses

‘Nellie R. Stevens’ holly is a woody, broadleaf evergreen tree or shrub in the holly family (Aquifoliaceae). It is a hybrid cultivar of I. aquifolium and I. cornuta, quickly matures to a height of 15 to 30 feet and a width of 8 to 25 feet and is a heavy producer of bright red berries.

Growing Preferences

‘Nellie R. Stevens’ does well in full sun to partial shade, preferably with some protection from afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. It needs rich, acidic, well-drained soil but tolerates a range of soil types including heavy clay. It is best to avoid wet sites. It tolerates drought and heat better than many other hollies. Its conical to pyramidal form allows it to be trained into a small tree, if the lower branches are removed. Prune to shape in the winter.

  • Characteristics
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Zone: 6-9

Mature Height: 15-30 ft

Mature Spread: 8-25 ft

Landscape Characteristics

  • Bullate leaves with 1 to 3 spines along each margin
  • Leaves consistently vary in number of spines
  • Bright red berries

Classification by Use

  • Accent tree
  • Small garden

Habit

  • Conical
  • Dense
  • Erect
  • Multi-stemmed
  • Oval
  • Pyramidal

Foliage

  • Evergreen