Ilex 'Nellie Stevens'

Nellie R. Stevens Holly

Ilex ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ is a vigorous evergreen holly valued for its glossy dark green foliage, pyramidal form, and heavy production of bright red berries on female plants. The leaves are broad, lustrous, and lightly spined, creating dense year-round screening value. Bright berries persist into winter and often appear even without a nearby male pollinator because of partial self-fruitfulness.

Type: Evergreen shrub
Mature Size: Width: 8–10 ft · Height: 15–25 ft
USDA Zones: 6a–9b

Form: Dense, pyramidal

Light: Full sun to part shade

Soil: Moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil

Water: Medium; prefers regular moisture during establishment

Wildlife: Berries attract birds

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for screening, hedges, large foundation plantings, and specimen use where strong evergreen structure and winter berry display are desired. It is one of the most widely planted hollies for privacy screening.

Care:
Plant in well-drained acidic soil and avoid prolonged drought during establishment. Prune in late winter or early spring if shaping is needed. Tolerates shearing well for formal hedge use.

Plant type

Broadleaf Evergreen

Height

15-25'

Width

8-10'

Hardiness zones

6–9

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Dark Green

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Acidic, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Foundation, Privacy Screen, Specimen

Shape

Pyramidal

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No