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Nellie R. Stevens Holly Bush
Nellie R. Stevens Holly Bush
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Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens'
Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Bare Root)
The Nellie R. Stevens Holly is a stunning, evergreen powerhouse known for its dense foliage, rich green color, and vibrant red berries. This bare root variety combines beauty with function—offering year-round privacy, ornamental charm, and wildlife benefits in one low-maintenance package.
With its fast growth rate, adaptability, and upright pyramidal shape, it’s a favorite for hedges, natural fences, and landscape anchors. Whether you're defining a property line or framing an entryway, this holly brings classic Southern appeal with effortless elegance.
Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Bare Root) Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌱 Variety | Bare Root |
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Ilex x ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Nellie Stevens Holly, Nellie R., Hybrid Holly |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 15–25 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 8–12 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Fast (2–3 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 40–75+ years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 6–9 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best berry production in sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Well-drained loam, clay, or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Slightly acidic to neutral (5.5–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| 🍃 Foliage Color | Glossy deep green (evergreen year-round) |
| 🍒 Berry Color | Bright red (late fall through winter) |
| 🐝 Wildlife Attraction | Birds, pollinators, beneficial insects |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Dense, upright, pyramidal shape |
| 🌸 Self-Pollinating? | No – plant with male holly nearby for best berry set |
| ↔️ Spacing | 5–8 ft for hedge; 10–15 ft for standalone specimen |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Hedges, privacy screens, foundation accents, focal points |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low |
Environmental Benefits
🌳 Offers year-round privacy and wind protection with dense evergreen foliage
🐦 Provides winter food and shelter for birds and small wildlife
🌿 Excellent for soil stabilization on slopes and erosion-prone areas
🌞 Thrives in urban, suburban, and rural settings alike with minimal care
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Evergreen beauty year-round with no leaf drop mess | 🧑🤝🧑 Requires a male holly nearby to produce berries |
| 💨 Windbreak + privacy in one neat, upright package | ✂️ May need occasional pruning to shape or maintain size |
| 🐦 Attracts birds and pollinators while staying low-maintenance | 🧊 May need winter protection in Zone 6 if exposed |
| 🏡 Perfect for structured hedges or natural fences | 🌱 Young plants need regular watering during establishment |
| 🌞 Fast grower, sun- and drought-tolerant | ⚠️ Spiny leaves may not be ideal for high-traffic child/pet areas |
Planting & Care Guide (Bare Root)
🛁 Soak bare root holly for 6–12 hours before planting
🕳️ Dig a hole 2× wider than the root ball; keep root flare level with soil surface
🌾 Add mulch (2–3 inches) to retain moisture and reduce weed competition
💦 Water regularly for the first season; reduce once established
✂️ Prune lightly in early spring to shape or control size
🧪 Fertilize annually in spring with an acid-loving evergreen blend
The Nellie R. Stevens Holly (Bare Root) is a stunning and versatile evergreen that delivers bold structure, natural privacy, and festive flair with minimal fuss. A must-have shrub for landscapes that demand beauty every month of the year.
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