Ilex x ‘Nellie R Stevens’
Description: The Nellie Stevens is a broadleaf evergreen, known for its dense, woody structure and glossy foliage. It is a hybrid cultivar of English Holly and Chinese Holly. It typically grows to be about 20 feet tall with a 15 foot spread. Its moderate growth rate and attractive year-round appearance make it popular in landscapes.
Twig/Bark: The twigs and branches of the Nellie Stevens Holly are woody and durable, contributing to the plant’s overall hardiness and ability to maintain a dense, upright form. Its strong, sturdy branches make it well-suited for use in hedges or privacy screens, and it can be shaped with minimal pruning.
Leaves: The leaves are glossy and dark green, creating a striking contrast against the bright red berries that appear in the fall and persist through winter. The foliage is dense, providing an effective screen or windbreak in addition to enhancing the landscape with its vibrant color year-round.
Flower/Fruit: In early spring, the plant produces tiny, inconspicuous white flowers. These flowers are not particularly showy, but they give way to the plant’s most attractive feature—the bright red berries. These berries provide visual interest throughout the fall and winter months, often attracting birds to the garden.
Habitat: Nellie Stevens Holly thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. However, it prefers some protection from the intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. This evergreen is happiest when it receives consistent moisture and benefits from a balanced fertilizer application every spring to support its vigorous growth.