
Common Name: 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 |
| Width: | 8-10' |
| Height: | 15-25' |
| Fragrant: | Yes |
| Fruit | Yes |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Zone: | 6 - 9 |
| Deer Resistant: | Yes |
| Salt Tolerant: | No |
| Drought Tolerant: | No |
| Attract: | Birds |
| Exposure: | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| Bloom Time: | Spring |
| Bark Type: | Smooth |
| Landscape/Use: | Privacy Screen, Specimen, Foundation, Accent Plant |
| Shape: | Pyramidal |
| Soil Type | Acidic, Moist well-drained |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Leaf Color: | Dark Green |
| Fall Color: | Dark Green |