Description: The Nellie R. Stevens Holly is a hybrid holly cultivar resulting from a cross between Ilex aquifolium and Ilex cornuta. It features glossy, dark green leaves that are spiny and serrated along the edges, typical of holly foliage. This shrub is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants. Female plants produce bright red berries in the fall and winter, adding ornamental interest to the landscape. Male plants produce small, inconspicuous flowers that are necessary for pollination but do not produce berries.

Size: Nellie R. Stevens Hollies are known for their relatively large size and vigorous growth habit. They typically grow to a height of 15 to 25 feet (4.6 to 7.6 meters) with a spread of 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.6 meters) at maturity. However, they can be pruned to maintain a more compact size and shape, making them suitable for use as hedges, screens, or specimen plants in the landscape. Nellie R. Stevens Hollies have a dense, pyramidal to oval-shaped form with multiple branches.

Best Growing Zones: The Nellie R. Stevens Holly thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9. It prefers climates with mild winters and moderate summers, although it can tolerate a wide range of conditions. This holly is adaptable to various soil types but prefers well-drained, acidic to slightly alkaline soil. It performs best in full sun to partial shade, although it can tolerate some shade, particularly in hotter climates.

Soil and Sun Requirements: Nellie R. Stevens Hollies prefer well-drained soil with good fertility and organic matter content. Amending the soil with compost or organic matter before planting can improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients. These hollies grow best in full sun to partial shade, receiving at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While they can tolerate some shade, they may have denser growth and fewer berries in shadier conditions.

Maintenance: Nellie R. Stevens Hollies are relatively low-maintenance once established but benefit from regular care to ensure healthy growth and appearance. Prune hollies as needed to remove dead, diseased, or overgrown branches and to maintain the desired size and shape. Light pruning can be done throughout the growing season, while more extensive pruning is typically done in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Mulching around the base of the plant helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the shallow roots.