Nellie Stevens Holly Shrub - Ilex x 'Nellie Stevens'

Nellie Stevens Holly Shrub (Ilex x 'Nellie Stevens')

The Nellie Stevens Holly is one of the most sought-after evergreen shrubs for creating instant privacy and structure in any landscape. This fast-growing variety maintains rich green foliage year-round and produces vibrant red berries throughout winter, making it both functional and visually striking. Buy Nellie Stevens Holly online to transform your property with a dependable, low-maintenance hedge that delivers impressive results.

Landscaping Uses

Plant Nellie Stevens Hollies in rows spaced 5 to 6 feet apart to establish a dense, gap-free privacy screen or living fence. This shrub thrives as a natural accent planting or formal hedge and works beautifully along property lines, around patios, and as a backdrop for garden beds. It adapts well to full sun to partial shade locations, making it versatile for nearly any yard setting.

Specifications

Height: 15 to 25 feet (mature)
Width: 8 to 10 feet
Growth Rate: 2 to 3 feet per year
Sun: Full sun to partial shade (4+ hours daily)
Water: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-draining loamy or sandy soil
USDA Zones: 5 to 9

Why Homeowners Love It

• Explosive growth rate produces a full privacy screen in just a few years without constant maintenance
• Thrives in diverse light conditions and tolerates neglect, making it ideal for busy homeowners
• Deep green color persists through harsh summers and mild droughts when other hedges fade
• Winter berries attract songbirds and provide stunning seasonal color plus natural holiday decorations

Planting & Care

Choose a location with at least 4 hours of daily sunlight to ensure berry production. Dig a planting hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide, then position the shrub so the top of the root ball sits level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with a 50/50 mixture of native soil and quality garden soil, then apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a strong root system. Prune as desired to maintain shape—Nellie Stevens responds beautifully to both natural pyramidal growth and formal hedge pruning.