Nellie R. Stevens Holly Shrubs are grown naturally and reach up to 20 feet tall. They thrive in growing zones 6-9, producing vibrant green foliage and bright red berries.
Nellie R Stevens Holly Plant
Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens') is a popular choice for home gardens and landscapes because of its attractive evergreen foliage, abundant red berries, and low-maintenance needs. It is a hybrid of the American holly (Ilex opaca) and the Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), and it is the only holly cultivar that produces fruit without a male pollinator.
Nellie R. Stevens Holly plants can grow up to 30 feet tall and 15 feet wide, but they can be pruned to maintain a smaller size. They have a pyramidal habit and are covered in dark green, glossy leaves that are up to 4 inches long. The leaves have spiny margins, but the spines are not as sharp as those of some other holly varieties.
In the fall, Nellie R. Stevens Holly plants produce clusters of bright red berries that are up to 1/2 inch in diameter. The berries persist on the plant throughout the winter, providing a beautiful display of color and a food source for birds.
Nellie R. Stevens Holly plants prefer full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are also tolerant of drought once established.
To care for a Nellie R. Stevens Holly plant, water it regularly, especially during the first year after planting. Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches, and to shape the plant.
Nellie R. Stevens Holly plants are a beautiful addition to any landscape. They can be used as specimen plants, in hedges, or as screens. They are also a good choice for foundation plantings.
Here are some additional tips for growing a Nellie R. Stevens Holly plant:
- Choose a spot in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
- Plant the shrub in the spring or fall.
- Water the shrub regularly, especially during the first year after planting.
- Fertilize the shrub in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Prune the shrub in the late winter or early spring to remove any dead or diseased branches, and to shape the plant.
- Mulch around the shrub with organic matter, such as pine needles or wood chips, to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Enjoy the beauty of the Nellie R. Stevens Holly plant!
Note: The plant is shipped in its pot, firmly secured with several layers of clear tape, thereby avoiding any shuffling and moving during transit. The plant reaches you with minimal damage- very safe and secure. We have been shipping plants like this for several years (plant are sometimes shipped in smaller pots for safety and ease of shipping). Most plants go dormant in fall and winter and will lose most of their leaves - looking dead and dry - very normal. They will flush out in spring.
We cannot send ship some plants and some sizes to California due to restrictions placed by department of agriculture.
Growing Zones: 3-9 outdoors
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Botanical Name: | Ilex verticillata 'Winter Red |
| Mature Height: | 6-8 ft. |
| Mature Width: | 6-8 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full-Partial |
